Invertebrates
Glasswing Butterfly
Greta oto
Drifting through the shade of a Central American rainforest, a glasswing butterfly flies on wings so clear that the leaves behind them show straight through.
Overview
The glasswing butterfly, Greta oto, is a Not Evaluated butterfly of rainforests from Mexico to northern South America. Its transparent wings, nanostructured surface, and toxic defences make it one of the most remarkable butterflies of the tropics.
A butterfly you can see through
By reducing glare with microscopic structures, the glasswing’s clear wings help it hide in plain sight in the dappled forest light.
Status
Not Evaluated by the IUCN, though it is widespread and common.
Glasswing Butterfly: common questions
Why are glasswing butterfly wings clear?
Tiny structures on the wing surface reduce reflection, so the wings let light pass through and look nearly invisible against the background.
Is the glasswing butterfly poisonous?
It collects toxic chemicals from the plants it feeds on, which make it unpalatable to predators.
What do glasswing caterpillars eat?
They eat the leaves of nightshade-family plants.
Where is the glasswing butterfly found?
It lives in rainforest and forest edges from Mexico through Central America to northern South America.