Page 63 - (DK) I Can’t Believe It! 2

STRANGE BUT TRUE! 61

FAST FACTS
Tiny scales scatter the
The 88’89 light, creating beautiful
butterfly lands iridescent colors.
on people in
summer to
dine on their
sweat.

Butterfly wings are covered with
thousands of tiny scales made
from a substance called chitin.
These dusty scales give the
insects their striking colors,
as well as helping to regulate
their body temperature.

The numerals 89
or 88 appear clearly
on the underside
of each wing.

The exact markings of the 88’89
butterfly depend on the specific
subspecies. There are 12 types,
with the markings taking a different
form, color, and shape each time.
Sadly, the number of Callicores is
dwindling—they are often killed for
their exotic wings, which are used in
the production of tourist souvenirs.

US_060-061_309600_Flying_figures.indd 61 19/12/17 12:56 pm