How thin, delicate butterfly wings keep from overheating

Living parts such as veins have protective structures that keep them cooler than dead scales

Living parts of butterfly wings — including veins and pheromone-releasing scent patches — have special structures that help those areas release more heat than surrounding scales. Brighter areas in these infrared images correspond to higher heat release.

Nanfang Yu and Cheng-Chia Tsai

Delicate butterfly wings are pretty cool — literally, thanks to special structures that protect them from overheating in the sun.