Scales and Wings

Hey, look at that butterfly! It has eyes on its wings. No, those are only fake eyes. They are really scales so tiny you can't see them. Did you know that millions of tiny fish-like scales cover the butterfly's wings? They're so tiny you need a microscope to see them. They overlap like shingles on a roof. These scales give the wings their brilliant color. The scales have many uses. They catch wind as the butterfly flies, help control body temperature and help males and females find each other by sight and smell. They rub off easily so predators have trouble holding on to them. Butterfly wings are made up of a clear membrane underneath the scales. Every part of the butterfly's body is covered with scales, even the bottom of its feet. Wow!