Glassy Pierella
Common NameGlassy Pierella
Scientific NamePierella hyalinus
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilySatyrinae
Wingspan (mm)60
Primary Colorsbrown, white, grey, lavender
HabitatTropical rainforest understory, humid forests
Geographic RangeCentral America, South America (e.g., Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil)
Host Plantsgrasses, palms
Flight PeriodYear-round
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesUndergoes complete metamorphosis: eggs are laid on host plants, larvae (caterpillars) feed on grasses or palms, pupates into a chrysalis, and emerges as an adult butterfly.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinctive translucent, 'glassy' appearance of the wings, the broad white diagonal band, and the small black ocelli and white spots on the hindwing. Often found flying low to the ground in shaded forest understories.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with translucent, somewhat iridescent brownish-grey wings featuring a prominent white diagonal band across both forewing and hindwing, and small black and white spots.
