Imitating the Rainbow Weevil?

Mention a weevil to a farmer, and you are likely to hear about how certain kinds destroy grain. You may have had them in your stored food. Even so, studying science and creation can provide some amazing insights into the work of the Master Engineer, and the rainbow weevil of the Philippines even inspires imitation.

Because it displays all the colors of the visible rainbow in its spots, researchers want to examine it for applications (biomimetics) in areas that involve optics. These rainbow spots are the product of complex cell structures, which defy evolutionary explanations.

The beautiful glossy rainbow weevil from the Philippines is unique for the spectacular rainbow colored spots on its thorax and forewing. These circular spots produce all the colors, and in the same order, as those found in a rainbow in a series of successive rings. Many insects exhibit the ability to produce different types of colors, but it’s unusual for one to exhibit such a vast spectrum.

Researchers are deeply interested in understanding and mimicking this amazing engineering for many types of advanced applications. One team just published a paper evaluating the weevil’s novel trait.

To read the rest of the article, click on "Complex Engineering in Weevils Befuddles Evolution".