Microscopic plates produce interference colors: copepods

1 of 1 A single copepod-like microorganism / Janice Haney.. / License

The surface layer of some copepods produces brilliant flashes of interference colors via microscopic plates that reflect light.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Textiles or dyes, inks or printing techniques, and paints and coatings that produce color based on interference.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"A strange copepod called Sapphirina shows dramatic interference colours. Microscopic plates in its surface layers are so arranged as to produce a flash of colour when viewed from certain angles. From other angles, the copepod appears quite transparent." (Foy and Oxford Scientific Films 1982:65)

About the inspiring organism

Sapphirina
Sapphirina

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Textiles or dyes, inks or printing techniques, and paints and coatings that produce color based on interference.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Textiles, printing, paints

References

Foy, Sally; Oxford Scientific Films. 1982. The Grand Design: Form and Colour in Animals. Lingfield, Surrey, U.K.: BLA Publishing Limited for J.M.Dent & Sons Ltd, Aldine House, London. 238 p.

Microscopic plates produce interference colors: copepods

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