Denver Museum of Nature & Science Community

Butterfly wings

Tara — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 15:01:44 GMT

A question from Stan via feedback@dmns.org:

When I was a child my grandmother often took me to City Park. I must admit that feeding peanuts to "Cookie", the elephant, was my favorite activity there. As I recall, I was also quite enamored with the butterfly collection at the museum, which brings me to my question. A non scientific book I am reading makes a point by using this illustration.

"... the coloring on a butterfly is not caused by pigment but rather by a prismlike effect as light is reflected off its transparent wings. Despite the variety of colors and patterns, beneath the arrangement of their wing designs, all butterfly wings are transparent."

Some very basic research I have done done indicate that some species do indeed have no color in the wing membrane, but I have yet to confirm this author's assertions that "the coloring on a butterfly is not caused by pigment", and "all butterfly wings are transparent".

So I appeal to you, a repository of butterfly knowledge. To what degree is this author's statement true or not?

A fossil that i would like to have someone identify

Tara — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:24:23 GMT

A question received via feedback@dmns.org:

i am a amateur kinda rock hound . have stumbled across many fossils but this one is a mystery and i hope u find it unique as well. It is on land at Pueblo State Park recreation area and am certain if anyone wants to preserve it they need to take it before the water and elements destroy it !! Well look at the pictures and tell me if anyone knows what it is and wants to see it.

dan

Question for a geologist

Tara — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 15:32:02 GMT

This question came to the Museum via feedback@dmns.org:

I have a question about Tiger Eye if there is a geologist who could confirm some information I found on the internet. I charged a Tiger Eye (polished) and used sea salt. I had it in a glass bowl for over a week. The water did evaporate and salt was clustered all over the stone. I heard that Tiger Eye contains asbestos, and I wanted to know if it’s possible for the sea salt to damage the stone and cause a health hazard? I found the following article below on the internet and I was wondering since Tiger Eye is a pseudomorph if there is any danger. Tiger Eye is a common stone given to children and I would think some kids may even try to crack open the stone. Thank you in advance for your time.

http://www.minerals-n-more.com/Tiger_Eye_Info.html