Insect colors are produced through two distinct mechanisms:
Pigment-based colors occur when chemical compounds in the insect’s body absorb certain wavelengths of light and reflect others. Common pigments include melanin (browns and blacks), carotenoids (reds and oranges), and pterins (whites and yellows).
Structural colors are created by microscopic physical structures that manipulate light through interference, diffraction, and scattering. These produce the iridescent blues, greens, and purples seen in butterfly wings and beetle shells. Unlike pigments, structural colors can change depending on the viewing angle and don’t fade over time. Many insects use a combination of both mechanisms to create their unique appearance.