Structure Formation in Butterfly Scales: Interplay of Genetic Control, Mechanical Instabilities, and Dynamic Material Properties

Anupama Prakash; Victoria Lloyd; Yi Yang; Anna‐Lee Jessop; Anthony McDougal; Primož Pirih; Guillaume Duclos; Andrew Parnell; Mathias Kolle; Nicola J. Nadeau; Bodo D. Wilts

doi:10.1002/adfm.202532173

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Structure Formation in Butterfly Scales: Interplay of Genetic Control, Mechanical Instabilities, and Dynamic Material Properties

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Structure Formation in Butterfly Scales: Interplay of Genetic Control, Mechanical Instabilities, and Dynamic Material Properties

Anupama Prakash, Victoria Lloyd, Yi Yang, Anna‐Lee Jessop, Anthony McDougal, Primož Pirih, Guillaume Duclos, Andrew Parnell, Mathias Kolle, Nicola J. Nadeau, …

Advanced functional materials, Vol.36(38)

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202532173

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Abstract

biomechanics

buckling instability

cuticles

functional materials

genetics

material secretion

morphogenesis

Butterfly scales contribute to a butterfly's vibrant coloration and play crucial roles in functions such as thermoregulation, water repellency, and aerodynamics. However, the underlying mechanisms that drive scale structure formation in vivo are not well understood. In this perspective, we propose that mechanical instabilities are central to the morphogenesis of scales and can lead to the observed wide variety of scale morphologies in adult butterflies. We specifically focus on the interplay between a growing soft compartment formed by the plasma membrane and an epicuticular envelope, the constraints imposed on this compartment by the actin cytoskeleton, and the spatio‐temporally heterogeneous sclerotization of the cuticle precursors. We discuss hypotheses on how intracellular processes control the composition of the cuticle precursor secreted into soft compartments and how mechanical instabilities may lead to the morphological diversity of ridges, lamellae, and other scale structures. Putting forward a set of hypotheses about the fundamental mechanical processes that enable the secretion of non‐living functional biological matter, we aim to inspire novel fabrication approaches in material science and engineering.

Details

Title: Structure Formation in Butterfly Scales: Interplay of Genetic Control, Mechanical Instabilities, and Dynamic Material Properties
Authors/Creators: Anupama Prakash - University of Sheffield
Victoria Lloyd - University of Sheffield
Yi Yang - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Anna‐Lee Jessop - University of Salzburg
Anthony McDougal - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Primož Pirih - University of Salzburg
Guillaume Duclos - Brandeis University
Andrew Parnell - University of Sheffield
Mathias Kolle - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Nicola J. Nadeau - University of Sheffield
Bodo D. Wilts - University of Salzburg
Publication Details: Advanced functional materials, Vol.36(38)
Publisher: Wiley-VCH Verlag
Number of pages: 21
Identifiers: 991005875444707891
Murdoch Affiliation: School of Mathematics, Statistics, Chemistry and Physics
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 5 Physics; 5.38 Optical Electronics & Engineering; 5.38.991 Photonic Crystals
Web Of Science research areas: Chemistry, Multidisciplinary; Chemistry, Physical; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Physics, Applied; Physics, Condensed Matter
ESI research areas: Materials Science