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.
16 Breathtaking Images of Our Planet's Natural Wonders
Take a look at these 16 incredibly well-timed photos of some of our planet's most spectacular natural wonders.
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.
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.
Snowy Foxes: The Sweetest Creatures You'll See This Winter
If you need a little bit of winter cheer in your days, you won't be disappointed by these sweet foxes frolicking in pure, white snow.
You Won't See Animals Like This Anywhere But The Internet
These animals were born with genetic mutations that make them stunning and rare wonders of nature.
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
Experience Pinnacles National Park in Crisp 4K Resolution
Check out this incredible time lapse video of California's Pinnacles National Park, which was filmed in crisp 4K resolution.
10 Amazing Facts of Nature that Are Too Weird to Believe
Bizarre natural phenomena, creatures, plants and minerals. Here are some amazing and interesting things courtesy of nature to astound you
These Wholesome Animal Titbits Will Make You Smile
Here are some adorable animal facts that will keep you smiling all day.
The Crystal Waters of Fiji Are Pure Underwater Heaven
There are few waters more beautiful than the crystal clear waters of Fiji.
Why the Army Ant is the Most Terrifying Animal in Nature
Many species of ant are larger than the army ant, but none are as fierce. Why is that?
This Incredible Animal Video Had Millions Talking About It!
From the moment these baby iguanas hatch, they are faced with a life or death situation. Can they survive the snake gauntlet?
8 Members of the Animal World Who Thrive In Their Solitude
Here's a look at some of the most interesting solitary animals in the world who thrive in their solitude.
Just How Clever Are Wild Parrots? See For Yourself!
Just how clever a wild cockatoo parrots? This man created a puzzle with seeds in it to see if they could solve it, and here's the footage...
Tourists From All Over Flock to See this Beautiful Island
Wouldn't you want to visit this beautiful island, filled with nothing but flowers?
A Royal Beast: Celebrating the Beauty of the Horse
These stunning photos and beautiful quotes about horses made me remember how much I admire them.
9 Incredible Animals You Weren’t Taught about in School...
Lesser known animals from around the world that deserve more recognition
Nature is Amazing in So Many Ways – 20 Beautiful Pics
The wonders of nature never cease to amaze us. Check out some glorious nature pics here.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
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.
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
Best of BBC: 7 Animal Videos You HAVE to Watch
Feast your eyes on 7 perfect animal moments, from the cute to the colorful, from the beautiful to the menacing - these BBC videos are gorgeous.
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Dogs!
How much do you know about our furry friends?
4 Simple Steps to Befriending Your Local Crow
Discover the secrets of befriending a wild crow with just four simple steps in this captivating video.
This is How Mountain Goats Defy Physics and Gravity
They're known to be able to defy the laws of physics, and today we'll discover exactly how they do that.
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
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.
Woodpeckers Are So Captivating!
Did you know that there are over 200 species of woodpeckers in the world? Let’s check out some of the most fascinating ones.
Mother's Day is Celebrated Among the Animals Too...
Remind yourself of your mother's love this Mother's Day by viewing these heartwarming photos of animal moms with their young.
Adorable: These Birds Woke up on the Wrong Side of the Bed
Ossi Saarinen's bird photos always make everyone go "awww." Check them out for yourself!
10 Beautiful Horse Breeds Everyone Needs to Know About
We humans owe horses so much thanks to the role they've played in human history. These are probably the 10 most interesting breeds of all.
Do Big Cats Like Catnip? - Find Out!
We try giving catnip to 5 different types of big cats!
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!
10 Perennials That Will Serve Your Garden for Years
Here, we look at some amazingly useful perennial vegetables that will serve as a long-term investment for every gardener.
Who Said Minerals Can't Be As Beautiful As Gems?
The most beautiful minerals in the world show themselves in these stunning photos.
How and Why Did Dolphins and Whales Return to the Ocean?
Like all mammals, whales were once a terrestrial animal with four legs. How and why did they become marine animals?
In Pictures: 17 Award-Winning Nature & Wildlife Shots
Check out the best winning images and finalists from the Big Picture Natural World Photography Contest.
The Beauty That Resides Under the Sea: Award-Winning Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2023.
Horse Kingdom: Exploring the 15 Most Stunning Horse Breeds
Many beautiful horse breeds have been developed over the course of the centuries, but some are more beautiful than others... Take a look.
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
Spore to Fungi: The Lifecycle of Mushrooms in Fast-Forward
Enjoy this look into one of nature's most incredible shows: the lifecycle of the mushroom in time-lapse over 2 years.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
7 of the World's Oldest LIVING Organisms
Some creatures are such skilled survivors they live on the brink of immortality. Today, we will see 7 such creatures.
You Will Be Amazed at the United Kingdom's Pure Natural Beauty
The British Isles are ancient lands, filled with history, and also places of sublime natural beauty. Come see these beautiful places close at hand, taken by talented photographers.
Here Are 10 of The Most Spectacular Forests in the World
Forests make up a third of our planet, and some of them are just utterly spectacular. Here are 10 of the most amazing forests in the world.
These Beautiful Photos Capture The Majesty of Wild Horses
Few animals can compare to the majestic and beautiful wild horse.