Structural Colours in Nature

Abstract

Bright, intense, pure colours play a vital role in flora and fauna. Animals often use colours to communicate with individuals of their own species. In this context colours can serve for agonistic behaviour between males fighting for the attention of a female or generally as a visually obvious criterion for sexual selection [1]. Colours also have a function in the interaction between different species. They can serve as camouflage (cryptic coloration) or as a warning sign (aposematic coloration) [2–4]. Many plants display strong and distinct colours on their blossoms to attract specific pollinators [5]. Some flowering plants also use particular reflecting structures to protect their blossoms and leaves against damaging UV light [6]. Nature offers an amazing variety of organisms which make use of structures to create bright colour and iridescence.