Why are butterfly and moth wings so delicate? How are they made?

Why are butterfly and moth wings so delicate? How are they made?

Butterfly and moth wings are made of thin layers of chitin, the same hardened protein that makes up their outside body. They are also covered with thousands of tiny scales that lend color to the wings. The wings are strengthened by a system of veins. The wings have to be strong enough to support the body in the air, but still flexible enough for flight movements.