Glasswing Butterfly
ExploreInsects
Glasswing Butterfly
Greta oto
The Glasswing Butterfly has transparent wings that look like glass! This helps them stay safe from birds.
Habitat: Tropical forests
Appearance
The Glasswing Butterfly has stunning, almost completely transparent wings that reveal the world behind them. Its wing edges are outlined in dark brown, sometimes with splashes of orange or red near the tips. This unique transparency makes it incredibly difficult to spot in nature, offering superb camouflage.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusGreta
Category
InsectsRarity
Rare
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Males have special hairs to release scents for attracting mates.
Their wings are see-through because they lack most colored scales!
These butterflies are important pollinators in tropical forests.
They sometimes drink tears from turtles or caimans for salt!
Special abilities
Ability
Invisible Flight
Glasswing Butterflies have clear wings because they lack most scales, allowing them to disappear against backgrounds and hide from predators.
Ability
Toxin Shield
Glasswing Butterflies can absorb toxins from plants, making them taste bad to predators and providing a chemical defense.
Ability
Nectar Drinker
Glasswing Butterflies have a long, tube-like proboscis that helps them reach sweet nectar deep inside flowers.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 55-60 mm
- Size
- 28-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-45 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
It sips sweet nectar from flowers and gathers special nutrients from toxic plants for protection.
Age differences: Larvae primarily eat Cestrum plant leaves, while adults feed on nectar and other plant liquids.
Primary Foods
- Flower Nectar
- Overripe Fruit
- Tree Sap
- Cestrum Leaves (larvae)
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
depends on
Night-blooming Jasmine
Cestrum nocturnum
Larvae munch on its leaves to grow big and get toxins.
pollinates
Lantana
Lantana camara
Drinks its nectar and helps these flowers make seeds.
eaten by
Clay-colored Thrush
Turdus grayi
Gets snatched by these birds if they aren't careful.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Glasswing
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glasswing Butterfly's wingspan?
55-60 mm
How big is Glasswing Butterfly?
28-30 mm
How long does Glasswing Butterfly live?
30-45 days
What does Glasswing Butterfly eat?
It sips sweet nectar from flowers and gathers special nutrients from toxic plants for protection.
Where is Glasswing Butterfly usually found?
Tropical forests
How does Glasswing Butterfly hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Glasswing Butterfly have?
6
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