Butterflies Have What It Takes     

   We thought butterfly wings were lifeless. Wrong. 
  
   Ivy League researchers discovered a complex system  
of living structures beneath these colorful scales.  
Divine design once again. 

   There are veins and scent pads made of living cells. In some butterflies, wings have a heart-like structure that beats a few dozen times a minute to pump blood through the scent pad. 

   These cells are sensitive to heat and cold and can only function within a given temperature range. Temperature sensors allow the butterfly to detect the location and strength of sunlight (its main source of warmth) without using its eyes. The insect responds quickly to regulate its wing temperature. 

   If the temperature is too warm, the butterfly will turn away from the light and bask in the sun with wings closed. This allows it to warm up its midsection while preventing its wings from overheating. In cooler regions, butterflies turn toward the sun with wings open to warm them and the body.

   If only we had thermodynamic materials to maintain temperatures, even in excessive heat. 

WORLD online

      Jimmy