Abstract

This paper describes investigations of the spectral reflection and polar reflection characteristics of the South American Morpho butterfly wing, which shows remarkable optical properties. The color of the wing changes with the angle of viewing. Spectral reflectance has been measured for seven different viewing angles and polar reflectance has been measured for 11 different wavelengths, covering the visible region of the spectrum. The observed variations of the heights and positions of the family of curves are discussed with reference to the known structure of the wing.

© 1968 Optical Society of America

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