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