Greta otoOpens in a new tab, a species of brush-footed butterfly most commonly found in Central and South America, has a colloquial moniker just as beautiful as its physiology: It’s known as the “glasswing butterfly.” And that name is definitely not hyperbolic. Because these butterflies’ wings look enough like glass to make it seem like they belong on a cathedral.
The glasswing butterfly, which can be found as far south as Chile and, very rarely, as far north as Texas, belong to the family, NymphalidaeOpens in a new tab. Nymphalidae are the largest family of butterflies with more than 6,000 species distributed throughout most of the world. The glasswing stands out as unique for obvious reasons.
The glasswing butterfly. David Tiller
The glasswing, shown off in the PBS videoOpens in a new tab above (via Laughing SquidOpens in a new tab), is able to achieve its extraordinary transparency thanks to its wings’ lack of pigment, as well as their being covered with waxy nanopillars. The nanopillars allow Greta oto‘s wings to avoid being reflective. The nanopillars (shown below), are randomly arranged on the wings’ surfaces, and are so tiny that their radii are smaller than the wavelengths of visible lightOpens in a new tab. This nanoscale allows the miniature pillars to scatter light rather than have it reflect off the transparent wings.
A close-up look at the glasswing’s waxy nanopillars. PBSOpens in a new tab
Despite the fact that the glasswing may seem like an especially fragile member of Nymphalidae, it’s shockingly resilient. Apparently the glasswing is able to carry 40 times its own body weight, and also combats predation by birds by eating toxins that make the butterflies taste foul. The natural nanotech still takes the cake for cool factor, however, especially because it’s reminiscent of vantablackOpens in a new tab.
What do you think about the glasswing butterfly? Is this the most stunning butterfly you’ve ever laid eyes on, or are you a bigger fan of these boozed-up specimensOpens in a new tab? Give us some clarity about what you’re thinking in the comments!
Feature Image: Deep LookOpens in a new tab
