Butterflies and coleoptera are the most beautifully colored insects we can find. This book wants to understand the origin of these brilliant colors from a physics perspective. The different physical phenomena are explained and numerous color illustrations shown. The book is a rich source for optical physicists, biologists, and teachers alike.
From the reviews:
"Berthier is a professor of physics at the University of Paris Diderot-7 and researches biological structures, colors and biomimetics at Pierre and Marie Curie University. ... If you want to see some wonderful photographs that show the intricate and delicate structures of insect wings, then Berthier's book fit the bill." (George Kattawar, Physics Today, February, 2008)
"The colors of insects are amazing, and this book is a remarkable showcase for them. There are a lot of colorful insect photographs, micrographs and illustrations. The physics behind insect colors is explained in a simple and clear manner. ... I read the book with interest and I recommend it to both physicists and biologists." (Dejan Pantelic, Optics and Photonics News, July/August, 2007)
"The book investigates the physical basis of color in nature ... . This is a fascinating book ... bringing together the interests of biologists and physicists. It is well written and succeeds in explaining physical principles and phenomena to the non-physicist. ... The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful color images of the whole organism ... . clearly designed graphs and diagrams assist in illustrating physical principles. ... it will find its way into many university libraries - this book certainly deserves a broad audience." (Hannelore Hoch, Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, Vol. 56 (1), 2009)
"Berthier is a professor of physics at the University of Paris Diderot-7 and researches biological structures, colors and biomimetics at Pierre and Marie Curie University. ... If you want to see some wonderful photographs that show the intricate and delicate structures of insect wings, then Berthier's book fit the bill." (George Kattawar, Physics Today, February, 2008)
"The colors of insects are amazing, and this book is a remarkable showcase for them. There are a lot of colorful insect photographs, micrographs and illustrations. The physics behind insect colors is explained in a simple and clear manner. ... I read the book with interest and I recommend it to both physicists and biologists." (Dejan Pantelic, Optics and Photonics News, July/August, 2007)
"The book investigates the physical basis of color in nature ... . This is a fascinating book ... bringing together the interests of biologists and physicists. It is well written and succeeds in explaining physical principles and phenomena to the non-physicist. ... The book is illustrated throughout with beautiful color images of the whole organism ... . clearly designed graphs and diagrams assist in illustrating physical principles. ... it will find its way into many university libraries - this book certainly deserves a broad audience." (Hannelore Hoch, Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift, Vol. 56 (1), 2009)