At first glance, it might seem like something's missing. The glasswing butterfly ( Greta oto ) gets its common name from its transparent wings, which can make it almost invisible in flight.

But there's more to this insect than a cool party trick. From its chemical defenses to its unusual mating behaviors, this butterfly thrives in the dense forests of Central and South America.

How Do Glasswing Butterflies Stay Invisible?

Glasswing butterfly wings are covered in tiny, irregularly arranged nanopillars (hairlike structures) that create a smooth refractive index gradient and minimize visible light reflection. This gives their wings a transparent quality that's extremely rare among butterflies.

The wing's surface produces minimal light reflection, making the adult glasswing butterfly h

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