Hot temperatures can dull blue morpho butterflies' iridescent scales

Researchers at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have found that high temperatures during development can reduce the brightness of blue morpho butterflies' iridescent scales. Per Phys.org, these heat-driven structural changes could make the butterflies appear different to other members of their species and to common bird predators. This effect was observed at temperatures similar to those projected in future warming scenarios.

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