Wildlife Promise » bug http://blog.nwf.org The National Wildlife Federation's blog Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:31:13 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Photo of the Day: A Spot of Color http://blog.nwf.org/2012/09/photo-of-the-day-a-spot-of-color/ http://blog.nwf.org/2012/09/photo-of-the-day-a-spot-of-color/#comments Mon, 03 Sep 2012 18:16:09 +0000 Rachel Stemen http://blog.nwf.org/?p=63523 Read more >]]>
Ladybug on acorn

A lady bug crawls across an acorn, offering a bright spot of color among late fall hues. Photo by Cheryl Dalonges. 2011 National Wildlife Photo Contest entry.


 

]]> http://blog.nwf.org/2012/09/photo-of-the-day-a-spot-of-color/feed/ 0 Diamond Weevil: A Bug with Real Bling http://blog.nwf.org/2011/12/diamond-weevil-a-bug-with-real-bling/ http://blog.nwf.org/2011/12/diamond-weevil-a-bug-with-real-bling/#comments Wed, 21 Dec 2011 21:54:03 +0000 Mekell Mikell http://blog.nwf.org/wildlifepromise/?p=39623 Read more >]]>  

Diamond Weevil, Photo: Flickr/Ian Sutton

Some people may dream of being covered in diamonds, but one bug is close to making it a reality. The wings of the diamond weevil are full of gem-like scales that wink and shine in the light just like precious stones. New research reveals these iridescent scales are made up of crystals similar to opals.

The black and metallic bluish-green bug lives in Australia and can be found in woodlands, forests and urban areas. It grows bout an inch long and eats acacia plants.

The diamond weevil may not spark a new jewelry craze, but they are sparking the imagination of scientists. Researchers believe the scales of this insect could inspire the creation of new materials.

It looks like diamonds are a bug’s best friend.

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