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 Gorgeous Animals Make Black and White Look Beautiful
We always assume colorful animals are the most lovely but these black and white beauties are here to prove you wrong.
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
The Beautiful Journey of Pollination as Never Seen Before...
Did you know all this was happening in your back garden? What a wonder nature truly is!
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.
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!
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.
These Award-Winning Wildlife Photos Are Phenomenal
View some of the best entries from the 2017 edition of GDT's ‘European Wildlife Photographer of the Year' competition. Take a look.
Adorable Miniature Donkeys Are Here to Make Your Day!
These diminutive donkeys aren't babies or dwarves, but an adorable breed of smaller donkeys. They’re so cute you’ll want to adopt a few.
World's Biggest Snake: This Massive Anaconda Is 26ft-Long!
Scientists have just discovered the world’s biggest snake in Amazon rainforest.
These Mind-Blowing Landscape Photos Need to be Framed
Take a look at the magical winners of the 2022 Landscape Photographer of the Year competition.
What Did These Breeds Look Like a Century Ago?
Certain breeds of dogs have changed a lot over the last century. Check out some of their evolutionary changes here.
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
Close-Up Photographer of the Year 2022: 15 Winning Images
Check out some of the most stunning entries from the Close-Up Photographer of the Year Challenge.
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.
The Owl: True and Funny Facts!
This hilarious video explores the natural world, this time - the owl, a magnificent creature that still sounds really funny in this true facts video
Nature inFocus Photography Awards: 17 Incredible Winners
Check out the incredible winners of the 2023 Nature inFocus Photography Awards.
14 Plants in the Most Artful, Unique, and Quirky Pots
These perfectly-paired pots and plants will light up any garden.
It's Feeding Time for Big Cats, See it Close and Personal!
If you love big cats, this video will melt your heart as we go in close and personal during feeding time.
Wildlife Is Even More Beautiful In 4K Definition!
The wildlife in Myanmar is beautiful, and we're lucky enough to witness it being captured in 4K definition. Enjoy!
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.
16 Bizarre Facts That Are So Strange They Could Only Be True
Sometimes science is so bizarre it blows the mind. Read These 16 fascinating facts that prove that truth is stranger than fiction.
Roses Are Even More Beautiful After Reading These 10 Facts
The rose evokes sentiments of love, romance and relationships, but there are some things about them that I never even imagined. Read these impressive rose facts
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.
Have You Ever Seen Animals As Odd As These?
These animals will shatter any stereotypical notion of what, say, a pig, or a turtle, should look like. Here are 15 animals you've probably never seen before.
Witness the Magical Views of Norway's Northern Islands
The amazing place you are about to see in this video is Svalbard - an archipelago that is in the northernmost part of the entire kingdom of Norway.
Houdini Is Back, And He's a Honey Badger Now...
An amazing video that every animal-lover should see.
Italian Wildlife Should be Talked About a Lot More!
Join us on a journey to Italy’s amazing wildlife.
9 Fragrant Roses to Fill Your Garden with Pleasing Aromas
Check out this list of some intensely aromatic roses that will flood your garden area with delightful smells.
15 Mind-Blowing Facts About Our Feathered Friends
From your friendly neighborhood crow to some of the rarest bird species in the world, here are 15 fantastic facts about birds.
Time Lapse Extreme: Over 800 Days in 8 Minutes
The satisfaction of sowing a seed and watching it grows is amplified when you see it at high speeds. Enjoy.
13 Incredible & Intricate Homes of Animal Architects
The amazing homes animals build for themselves are both mesmerizing and brilliant. Behold nature’s most amazing architects.
These Are Some of the Luckiest Felines in the World Today
There are millions of animals around the world that are in need of a loving home, but these 17 cats represent heart-warming success stories. Meet them here.
10 of the Largest Living Birds in the World
Check out this list of the largest and heaviest birds that inhabit our planet today.
I Never Knew Bosnia Could Be So Breathtaking!
An incredible video of Bosnia & Herzegovina filmed for six months, displaying the natural beauty of this gorgeous country.
These Dogs Have the Best Hair Day, Every Day.
I have never seen dogs that look so amazing before. They all have such beautiful coats of hair!
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?
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
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.
Explore the Secret World Of The Jellyfish With This Video
This full documentary will help you get a better understanding of the world that jellyfish inhabit.
9 Heartwarming Instances of Wild Animals Saving Humans
Animals are more intelligent and kind than we give them credit for, and these 9 touching stories prove that
These Landscape Photos Won Awards for a Good Reason
The winners of The International Landscape Photographer of the Year contest have been announced, and it’s the perfect excuse to gaze at their stunning pictures.
Are These the Coolest 70 Year Olds Ever?
These women have made their livelihoods by hunting sea snakes on the coast of their island.
Graceful Margay: The Elusive Feline of the Rainforest
Meet the Margay, the most arboreal cat in the world.
Visiting the Tallest Moutain in NZ: Mount Cook Adventure!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to witness the splendor of this unique destination.
This Photographer Captured the Majesty of Maine Coon Cats
Photographer Robert Sijka is a cat aficionado, and he also happens to be an excellent photographer. Take a look at his work with Maine Coon cats.
15 Charming Close-Ups of Cold-Blooded Creatures
You've never seen lizards, snakes, or frogs like this before.
15 Things You Never Knew About the Panda Bear
When you hear about pandas, you think big, cute and cuddly, but there is much you might not know about these gentle giants...