Are They The Same Species and Specimen ?

[Peacock Royal]

A few of us know the answers.
But let others have a chance to answer this question.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/federickho/Butterfly%20Photos/GreenOakblueUpperside2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/federickho/Butterfly%20Photos/GreenOakblueUpperside1.jpg

[Elbowed Pierrot]

yes :) different angle, the scale reflects a different color *hint, both have the same blotch/marks on the left wing*

[Peacock Royal]

Wah piang. So fast. Like that no fun leh.
You are observant. :cheers:

On a serious note. I think this is something I find it very interesting and it may have some applications. How does the structure of the butterfly scales refract or reflect light ?

Aarron, would you like to do a research on this ?

[Cruiser]

and it is of the same specimen as well as you can see from the little 'brown' marking on top right wing but I could be wrong though :)

[Peacock Royal]

Yes, BJ, same specimen.

Found a research article on this topic.
" Effects of a butterfly scale microstructure on the iridescent colour observed at different angles " (http://www.opticsexpress.org/DirectPDFAccess/0ADFF99E-BDB9-137E-CD98BD8D36683FF8_63420.pdf?da=1&id=63420&seq=0&CFID=4851367&CFTOKEN=12205275)

[atronox]

Aarron, would you like to do a research on this ? I don't mind coz this is a very interesting topic. From wat i've read, the scales of iridescent spp. r shaped like prisms n haf grooves that r able to cause some kind if interference phenomena. The more normal underside ones, however r more scale-like n r coloured chemically, unlike those of the prism shaped ones, whose colouration is structural. As for why the scales appear a different colour at diff angles, it has probably something to do with which colour of light is being absorbed at different parts of the scale. Must say that they r two very interesting shots of the same butt. Very pristine too!