Photonic crystal micro- and nanostructures in iridescent butterfly wings

Photonic crystals are periodic dielectric composite structures that affect the propagation of light. The existence of complex photonic crystals structures in Nature has boosted research in the field of optical biomimetics to support the development of better designed structures in optical devices, colorants and in the clothing industries. This paper reviews the natural micro- and nanosized photonic crystal structures that exist in the iridescent scales of some butterfly wings.