Glasswing Butterfly
Image: Brendakend (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGlasswing Butterfly
Scientific NameGreta oto
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyDanainae
Wingspan (mm)55
Wing Patterntransparent
Primary Colorstransparent, black, brown
HabitatTropical rainforests, cloud forests, forest edges, humid areas
Geographic RangeCentral America to South America (Mexico to Panama, and south through Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil)
Host PlantsCestrum
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical climates
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on toxic Solanaceae plants, accumulating defensive compounds. The pupa is a striking metallic silver or gold.
Identification TipsIts most distinguishing feature is the transparent wings with dark venation and margins, often seen fluttering slowly in humid forest undergrowth.
Description
This medium-sized butterfly features largely transparent wings with prominent black veins and dark brown margins, giving it a delicate, see-through appearance.
