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Glasswing Butterfly

Glasswing Butterfly
Greta oto

Greta oto is one of a number of similar transparent winged butterflies. It comes from central America, and is found from Mexico to Panama. It is quite common in its zone, but it not easy to find because of its transparent wings, which is a natural camouflage mechanism.

I first saw this butterfly in a local butterfly farm - what I think would be called a conservatory in the US. I had wanted to photograph one ever since. I chose the white flower to reflect the white patches in the top wings, while the muted background provides a touch of warmth.

Family: Nymphalidae
Genus: Ithomiinae
Latin name: Greta oto
Common name: The Glasswing