Insect Inspection: A Closer Look at Life's Colors

Zoom in close to see the tiny scales on its wings. Their shape is what gives the moth its radiant hues.

Bold, contrasting colors like these warn predators of the sunset moth's toxicity.

“These ‘tails’ on the rear edges of the wings break off very easily. If a predator takes a snap at the moth, they get a tail for a meal. Meanwhile, the moth escapes.”
— Dr. David H. Kavanaugh,
Curator Emeritus of Entomology

These colorful weevils belong to a family called the snout beetles. Look closely and you'll see that each one sports a well-developed “nose,” eyes, and antennae.

Magnification reveals that their colors are composed of tiny, glittering discs. These iridescent scales are the world’s only known organic version of the gemstone opal.

The eye-catching green of the male stream glory damselfly’s hindwings isn’t just decoration—this sparkling display of color can woo mates or warn off competitors.

Look closely—the damselfly's wing scales are what create this brilliant iridescence.

When threatened, this locust—like other members of its genus—produces a poisonous froth from openings beneath its wings. This toxin comes from the milkweed plant (which the locust eats), and is strong enough to kill animals and people.

The locust’s bright-red hindwings become visible in flight. As it takes off, the sudden flash of vivid color may startle potential predators, helping it to escape.

Locusts and other grasshoppers have powerful muscles for jumping. Their exoskeletons have evolved large femurs to accommodate their muscular build.

“Grasshoppers can be either long-horn or short-horn. The antennae of long-horns are at least as long as their bodies; the length of these antennae make it clear this locust is a short-horned grasshopper.”
— Norman Penny,
Sr. Entomology Collections Manager (1984 - 2016)

Look closely at the spots on its wings—they’re intricate studies in color, and critical to the moth’s defense.

When threatened, the comet moth can quickly open its wings. The sudden appearance of “eyes” may startle predators, or redirect the attack away from the moth’s more vulnerable body parts.

Yes, this male moth is missing its abdomen. Male comet moths contain oily scent glands, and some collectors discard the abdomens to avoid stains or smells. It's possible that's what happened here, or the abdomen may simply have broken off this fragile specimen.

The shining leaf chafers all shine with green-gold iridescence. But look closely—no two truly match.

Exploring individual differences helps us to understand species as a whole.