Monarch chrysalides are arguably the most beautiful of all the lepidoptera. But those golden accents aren’t purely decorative– they’re optical illusions created by specialized structures and carotenoid pigments, which have important functions. The monarch’s exoskeleton is raised in the areas of the “diadem” to create little mountains which reflect light, creating the sparkle. The reflective surfaces of the chrysalis break up the solid shape of the pupa, and provide camouflage by mimicking dewdrops or filtered sunlight. These areas also help produce crucial developmental hormones and assist with oxygen exchange.
Image: Joshua J. Cotten
