 
The iridescent color of the morpho butterfly is
produced by tiny ridges on the scales of the wing that have the shape of a Christmas tree,
when viewed in cross section. The branches of the Christmas tree form about 15 staggered
layers on a nano-scale, called “laminae,” which process the incident light
somewhat like a filter. As light is reflected from the laminae, certain wavelengths are
enforced and others are cancelled out, called “wave interference.”
These little Christmas trees are arranged 65 per scale on the wing, and the spacing
between the laminae must be precisely controlled to a certain fraction of the wavelength,
in this case 1/8 (about 50 nanometers). The ridges are meticulously arranged with such
precision on the scales, and the numbers are staggering.
The actual color observed depends on the path length to the observer, so some will see
purple while others see blue-green. The beauty is truly “in the eye of
beholder.”
Does anyone suppose that could happen by chance? One cannot imagine the complexity of the
optical physics and mathematics required to design this light processor.
These butterflies cannot possibly be the product of chance, random evolution and natural
selection. Is there a selective advantage to having these gorgeous wings? They have been
observed by aircraft pilots over the jungle in Brazil where they live--it makes them
vulnerable to predators. The morpho butterfly is truly a miracle of intelligent design of
the Creator.
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