Photonic-crystal-type nanostructures occurring in the scales of the butterfly Cyanophrys remus were investigated by optical and electron microscopy (scanning and transmission electron microscopy), reflectance measurements (specular, integrated, and goniometric), by fast Fourier transform analysis of micrographs, by modeling, and by numerical simulation of the measured reflectance data. By evaluating the collected data in a cross-correlated way, we show that the metallic blue dorsal coloration originates from scales which individually are photonic single crystals of $50\times 120\mu {\mathrm{m}}^2$, while the matt pea-green coloration of the ventral side arises from the cumulative effect of randomly arranged, bright photonic crystallites (blue, green, and yellow) with typical diameters in the $3–10\text{−}\mu \mathrm{m}$ range. Both structures are based on a very moderate refractive index contrast between air and chitin. Using a bleached specimen in which the pigment has decayed with time, we investigated the role of pigment in photonic-crystal material in the process of color generation. The possible biologic utility of the metallic blue (single-crystal) and dull green (polycrystal) textures both achieved with photonic crystals are briefly discussed. Potential applications in the field of colorants, flat panel displays, smart textiles, and smart papers are surveyed.

The optical properties of the inflorescence of the high-altitude Leontopodium nivale subsp. alpinum (edelweiss) is investigated, in relation with its submicrometer structure, as determined by scanning electron microscopy. The filaments forming the hair layer have been found to exhibit an internal structure which may be one of the few examples of a photonic structure found in a plant. Measurements of light transmission through a self-supported layer of hair pads taken from the bracts supports the idea that the wooly layer covering the plant absorbs near-ultraviolet radiation before it reaches the cellular tissue. Calculations based on a photonic-crystal model provide insight on the way radiation can be absorbed by the filamentary threads.

The male Troides magellanus—a birdwing butterfly that lives in a restricted area of the Philippines—concentrates on its hindwings at least two distinct optical processes that contribute to its exceptional visual attraction. The first is the very bright uniform yellow coloration caused by a pigment which generates yellow-green fluorescence, and the other is a blue-green iridescence which results from light diffraction at grazing emergence under a specific illumination. Detailed optical measurements reveal that these optical effects are correlated, the fluorescence being enhanced by illuminations conditions that favor the occurrence of the iridescence. These effects are analyzed, with the conclusion that both of them depend on the same optical device: a one-dimensional microribs grating which appear on the sides of the ridges that run along the yellow scales.

Butterfly wing scales containing photonic nanoarchitectures act as chemically selective sensors due to their color change when mixing vapors in the atmosphere. Based on butterfly vision, we built a model for efficient characterization of the spectral changes in different atmospheres. The spectral shift is vapor specific and proportional with the vapor concentration. Results were compared to standard principal component analysis. The modification of the chemical properties of the scale surface by the deposition of 5 nm of Al₂O₃ significantly alters the character of the optical response. This is proof of the possibility to purposefully tune the selectivity of such sensors.