7th Aug 2012 Glasswing Butterflies

This species of Ithomiinae is native to Central America. Its distribution ranges from Mexico to Panama. Although they are common, at first they are difficult to see because of their transparent wings. This effect gives it the common name: Glasswing. In nature the transparent effect provides excellent camouflage.

Interesting Facts About Glasswing Butterflies

Because this butterfly's wings are transparent, it blends into its background, thus is particularly difficult to spot in the wild. The tissue between the wing's veins looks like the panes of a little glass window.

It's hard to believe that these beautiful glasswing butterflies could have metamorphosized from a caterpillar, especially an ugly one that looks like a hairy centipede. Yet if it was not for these leaf munching machines there would be no adult butterflies.

Glasswing butterflies can carry up to 40 times their body weight.

Top speed for a glasswing is about 8 mph. 12 km/hr.

Another interesting fact about butterflies in general, and glasswings in particular, is that they taste, through their 6 legs! 

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