科學家發現蜜蜂會根據濕度改變顏色
Scientists Discover Bees That Change Color Based on Humidity
科學家最近發現了自然界中一個迷人的現象：細紋汗蜂（Agapostemon subtilior）能夠根據濕度變化來改變體色。
Scientists have recently discovered a fascinating phenomenon in nature: the fine-striped sweat bee (*Agapostemon subtilior*) can change color based on humidity levels.
當濕度較低（低於 10%）時，蜜蜂看起來呈現藍綠色，但隨著濕度升至 95%，牠們會轉變為銅綠色。
When humidity is low (below 10%), the bees appear blue-green, but as moisture increases to 95%, they shift to a coppery green.
這種顏色的改變是由於水分子進入了蜜蜂具有彩虹光澤的外骨骼，導致其微觀層結構膨脹。
This color change occurs because water molecules enter the bee's iridescent exoskeleton, causing its microscopic layers to swell.
這種膨脹改變了表面反射光線的方式，使外觀偏向更長的波長。
This swelling alters how the surface reflects light, shifting the appearance toward longer wavelengths.
與由飲食或遺傳導致的變色不同，這是一種純粹的物理反應，不需要蜜蜂消耗任何能量。
Unlike color changes caused by diet or genetics, this is a purely physical reaction, requiring no energy from the bee.
專家認為，這種轉變可能是一種動態擬態，能幫助這些昆蟲在周圍環境中藏匿，因為濕氣會使土壤和樹皮等表面顏色變深。
Experts believe this shift might serve as dynamic camouflage, helping the insects blend into their surroundings as moisture darkens surfaces like soil and bark.
這一發現表明，許多其他具有彩虹光澤的昆蟲也可能共享這種被忽略的、依賴濕度的能力。
This discovery suggests that many other iridescent insects may share this overlooked, moisture-dependent ability.
