Science Visualized Animals

How math helps explain the delicate patterns of dragonfly wings

For some insects, no two wings are exactly alike

dragonfly

GOSSAMER WINGS  Thin veins form different patterns on each dragonfly’s wings. Scientists have explained mathematically how these sections may form.

John Tann

By Emily Conover

- More than 2 years ago

The dainty veins gracing the wings of dragonflies and other insects are like fingerprints: Each wing displays a distinct pattern.