This magical butterfly, officially named 'Greta oto' but more widely known as the 'glass butterfly' boasts incredibly beautiful, transparent, wings. A closer look at the wings reveals veins running across them, but you can see right through them, as if you were looking through a window.
Most butterflies come with painted wings and spectacular patterning that we humans love to see. This patterning has two primary roles. It both deters predators and attracts potential mates. A glass butterfly's wings also help protect it from other animals because they allow it to camouflage against background foliage and therefore avoid detection by birds species with excellent eyesight, particularly good at detecting color.
To achieve this kind of transparency, the wing is coated with numerous sub-microscopic tiny bumps that break light and prevent it from bouncing back from the wing. Eyes perceive color based on the way it reflects light, so this special trait renders the wings largely translucent.
Wide Range: Although primarily found in Central and South America, from Mexico through Panama and down into Colombia and Ecuador, glasswing butterflies are known to migrate considerable distances. They have been spotted as far north as Florida and as far south as Chile.
The glasswing butterfly's blend of fragile beauty and resilience makes it a subject of fascination for scientists and nature lovers alike. Its ethereal appearance challenges our perceptions of nature and reminds us of the incredible diversity of life on our planet.
These Rare Animals Are Both Weird and Wonderful
Have you ever seen a creature that looked so weird and unique that you weren't sure if you were actually looking at an alien or something that belongs on our planet?Discover here these 15 weird and wonderful creatures that are too wonderful for words
The Intense Colors of These Animals Are Simply Astonishing
Though a lot of animals keep themselves to themselves, this collection of vibrant beasties want the world to see their colorful beauty!
The Gorgeous Nature Shots of Kristina Kotarski!
These beautiful nature shots, mostly of little animals and their surroundings, is guaranteed to fill your eyes with tears of wonder! Well, maybe not tears, but you will definitely be impressed by the clever and skilled shots! There are so many nice p
These 10 Endangered Species Are In Dire Need of Help!
There has been much talk about the rapidly declining numbers of many species world over. This is what's being done to help.
Our Planet is Full of Beauty! Take a Look at These Photos
Our planet is incredibly beautiful. Here are 15 stunning photos of planet Earth.
20 Mindblowing Examples of Animal Camouflage
Nature truly is amazing! Take a look at these 20 photos, and see if you can spot the camouflaged creatures!
Imagine Sharing Living Space with These Watery Weirdos!
The ocean is an even greater unknown than outer space, and some of the life forms you find in it are incredibly bizarre. Take a look at these odd sea creatures.
The 12 Least Densely Populated Places on The Planet
Behold a countdown of the top 12 least populated places on Earth. These places are ruled by nature and full of beautiful vast landscapes
Turbulent Waters: Unbelievable Sea Moments
The ocean can be a big and scary place. Here are some of the craziest sea moments caught on camera.
Some Flowers Are Absolutely Stunning - Like These Beauties
The petals on these flowers make such beautiful ornaments that you'll wish you were a bee.
From Alabama to Wyoming: 50 States Blessed with Fall Colors
Before the winter months take over, let's enjoy the beauty of fall in 50 U.S. states.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
These Animals Are All Black & Beautiful Thanks to Melanism
Melanism is a genetic mutation that results in beautiful black animals, which stand out from their species counterparts. Here are 15 melanistic animals.
The Colorful and Beautiful Birds of Paradise!
This amazing video brings to life the most beautiful and stunning of birds!
These Have Got to Be Some of the World Strangest Plants
In this world there are pretty plants and then there are talented and bizarre plants. These 12 plants definitely fall into the latter category.
17 Utterly Beautiful Photos of Japan's Cherry Blossoms
The sight of blooming cherry blossoms is synonymous with springtime Japan. Take a look at these beautiful photos to remind you what a wonderful season this is.
Here Are 12 of the Strangest Lakes on the Planet
We present to you 12 of the strangest lakes on our planet.
Llamas Can Be Both Mean and Hilarious!
Llamas are some of the most hilarious animals on our planet. Watch this compilation video to find out why!
If You Love Dogs, You'll Love Learning This About Them..
I love dogs, and so I love learning about them. These facts have really surprised me.
The Beauty That Resides Under the Sea: Award-Winning Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023.
Dr. Hodges - The Vet That Cures Exotic Cute Pets
In this video, we meet Monty, the pet axolotl. It's his first visit to the Vet!
You’ll Never Guess the Price Tags on These Luxury Plants!
Believe it or not, each of these houseplants costs thousands of dollars. Find out why.
The Most Incredible Animal Friendships!
in reality, animals can sometimes remind us of childhood stories and tv programs - sometimes the unlikely friendships are indeed made by animals, and here's the proof:
Have You Seen These Rare and Stunning Albino Animals?
Albino animals are extremely rare to be found. Here is a a look at some of the most stunning albino animals you would have ever seen.
These Beautiful Bird Photos Are Beyond Incredible
The Bird Photographer of the Year Awards receives some of the most stunning examples of bird photography. Here are some of those.
Woman Captures Stunning Photos of Birds in Her Back Yard!
Although the weather and seasons in Germany and Michigan are quite similar, one woman realized that the birds are different. She took some great photos to prove this.
The Wonders of the Maasai Mara in 10 Award-Winning Photos
Prepare for the wildlife adventure of a lifetime!
When Animals Cooperate: 10 Incredible Examples!
Discover how certain animal species help others in a way that makes you appreciate the beauty of nature more than ever.
National Geographic's Photography Never Ceases to Amaze
National Geographic never ceases to amaze us with the photos it shows us, and the 20 images you're about to see here are no exception.
This Bird of Prey Is the Undisputed King of the Skies
The Peregrine falcon is far from the average avian predator as this awesome video proves!
The Beautiful and Elusive Snow Leopard of the Himalayas
The snow leopard is one of the most poorly-understood cats in the wild, mainly because it's so hard to see one that doesn't want to be seen.
22 of Nature Photography's Most Exquisite Moments!
The NG website has a daily photo of the day page, from which we've selected 22 incredible examples of nature's undeniable and breathtaking beauty. Undoubtedly, you also deserve to enjoy these amazing pictures from the last few months.
16 Award-Winning Shots That’ll Take Your Breath Away
The 2020 winners of the nature photography competition BigPicture have been announced, and they are astounding!
The Story of the World's Most Poisonous Creature
This frog is the most poisonous creature in the world!
Do Big Cats Like Catnip? - Find Out!
We try giving catnip to 5 different types of big cats!
These Rapid Blooming Flowers Will Brighten Your Day
This video of flowers blooming will brighten your day. So, go ahead, treat yourself to a few minutes of beauty and relaxation.
Witness the Stunning Majesty of the Birds of India
If you're a bird lover, then few places on this planet are more ideal for you than India. Find out why here.
Humans Aren't the Only Devoted Parents...
Beautiful examples of the kind of parents you'll find in the animal kingdom.
How Well Do You Know Canada's 9 Wildest Animals?
Canada is home to some fascinating animals. Some are cuddly, some of dangerous, but all hold pride of place in the natural wonderland of Canada.
Meet Wisdom, the World's Oldest Known Wild Bird
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, has survived tsunamis and raised over 40 chicks. And she’s still not done!
Amazing! These Birds Fly as High as a Commercial Plane!
Ever wondered what the highest flying birds in the world are? Well, you don't have to wonder anymore!
Nature After Dark: Exploring 8 Nocturnal Animals
Let us take you up close and personal with some of the most unusual nocturnal animals of our world.
Witness the Raw Beauty of Nature in These Incredible Pics
Check out some of the best winning images from the 2020 Nature Photographer of the Year contest.
INTERACTIVE: Click on the Flower to See Its Full Beauty
These interactive photos of flowers will allow you to see them in video with a click.
Animal Kingdom: Meet the World’s Grumpiest Cat
Pallas’s cats are perhaps the most unusual wild cats of our planet.
Life in the Treetops: A Look at Tree-Dwelling Animals!
Let’s take a deep dive into the secret lives of arboreal animals and the challenges they face in their natural habitat.
The Colors of These Birds are Ravishing!
Birds inspire us, fascinate us and make us admire them with their beauty and grace. Enjoy some beautiful pictures of 14 of the most colorful birds in the world.