Cyphochilus

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Cyphochilus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Melolonthidae
Genus: Cyphochilus
Species [1]

Cyphochilus assamensis
Cyphochilus candidus
Cyphochilus farinosus
Cyphochilus fruhstorferi
Cyphochilus oberthuri
Cyphochilus pygidialis

Cyphochilus is a genus of beetle with an unusually bright white body, occurring in Southeast Asia [2]. The beetle is a whiter colour than paper or even milk teeth. The whiteness of its body is caused by a thin layer of a highly reflective natural photonic solid in its scales [3].

Note that Cyphochilus is also a genus in the orchid family.

[edit] References

  1. ^ List of scarab species.
  2. ^ "White beetle dazzles scientists", BBC News, 2007-01-18.
  3. ^ P. Vukusic, B. Hallam & J. Noyes (2007). Brilliant whiteness in ultrathin beetle scales. Science 315 (5810): 348. DOI:10.1126/science.1134666. 


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