Greta oto
WINGSPAN 5.5 to 6cm (2⅛ to 2⅜in)
HABITAT Rainforest
DISTRIBUTION Central to South America
LIFESPAN 6 to 12 weeks
MALES AND FEMALES Males and females are almost identical
One of nature’s miracles, the glasswing, as the name hints, has translucent wings that allow it virtually to disappear into its native rainforest. The only clue that this creature is there is in the dark, often orange, hue that frames its wings beautifully. In Spanish its name is espejitos which means ‘little mirrors’. The membranes of each wing refract light, distributing an array of colour if caught at the right angle, but when the butterfly is in flight it appears to vanish, making it almost impossible for predators to spot. Despite its delicate appearance, this butterfly’s wings are as strong and durable as those of any other species. It flies long distances, sometimes 20 kilometres (12 miles) in a day.