Does anyone know what the powder on the wings of an adult butterfly is called? I have noticed that if you touch an adult butterfly on the wings, they will have problems flying. Also, the powder rubs off on your hands. Does anyone else experience this?
Thanks,
Chuck Bernard
Butterfly Powder
Thank you,
Chuck
Excellent response Pelletory...I was only going to say 'scales' :o)
~ Cat
ps...butterflies will still be able to fly if some scales are rubbed off. It's when the wing structure is damaged that they will have trouble with flight. Heck, I saw a really worn out Giant Swallowtail with just its 'wing bones' (that's what I call it). It has pretty much all of both hind wings gone and just the top edges of the forewings still intact (hence, wing bones). Not sure if that was due to almost being lunch for a predator or from damage done from being batted around in strong winds.
That butterfly's flight wasn't eradic though - I guess it had mastered how to cope with missing wings but am sure it didn't last long much longer as the flights were short ones.
Will have to dig around for a photo of a Sulphur I have with missing wing parts.
that's very interesting... thanks for the link Pelle