Insects are a rich source of inspiration for engineers developing innovative new materials. Many, including moths and butterflies, have anti-reflective eyes that enable them to see in low light. Some have iridescent wings for camouflage and signalling, such as the wing covers of metallic-like beetles.

‘We’ve found for the first time ever that we can not only make the iridescent structures found in nature with conventional engineering, but we can also culture cells to make them for us,’ said Professor Andrew Parker, zoologist at the Natural History Museum, and lead researcher. ‘So rather than developing complicated and expensive engineering techniques, we can let nature do the hard work.’