As a destination known for its amazing biodiversity, it should come as no surprise that Costa Rica houses an impressive population of butterflies. Just how many species call this small country home, though? 1,500 butterflies and 12,000 moths, or 90% of all Central American species, and 18% of the total earth’s population, are found here.
Due to this wide variety, the butterfly-watching opportunities are endless. Normally, the more colorful species, such as the blue morpho, often garner the most attention. There are, however, plenty of lesser-known, but equally fascinating, species to add to your butterfly-watching list. One such example? The glasswing butterfly!
About the glasswing butterfly
Greta oto is a species of brush-footed butterfly found in the tropical rainforests of Central America and northern South America. A migratory species, it has occasionally been recorded as far north as Mexico and Texas, and as far south as Chile. Traveling between different elevations, glasswings are often found eating their preferred food source, the flowers of the genus Lantana.
A Unique Appearance
While it shares many common traits with other Lepidoptera, what sets the glasswing butterfly apart is its unique camouflaging technique. Instead of using mimicry to ward off potential predators, glasswings have transparent wings that help it to disappear into the background during flight. This transparency is caused by many different factors: the wing material’s low absorption of visible light, the low scattering of light that travels through the wings, and the low reflection of light off of the wing’s surface. Don’t be fooled by their delicate, glassy appearance, though; a glasswing can carry up to 40 times its own weight!
Seeing the glasswing butterfly
Often called “espejitos”, or little mirrors, in Spanish-speaking areas, this unique butterfly is the focus of conservation efforts in many of Costa Rica’s national parks. This includes a park on the Central Pacific coast, Carara. We have also spotted them on the property around Casa Danta. If looking for them during your stay, keep an eye out for lantana, which can be found both growing wild and planted. These flowers are a major food source for the glasswings that call this area home, and a great place to find butterflies in general.
While not always the easiest to find, the glasswing butterfly is truly a unique and rewarding animal to see during your Costa Rican vacation. Good luck, and happy butterfly-watching!
Looking for more species to add to your animal-watching wishlist? Check out our other blog posts below!
https://casadanta.com/uncategorized/species-spotlight-red-eyed-tree-frog/
https://casadanta.com/uncategorized/monkey-business-all-about-costa-ricas-cutest-residents/
Carara National Park Information: https://www.sinac.go.cr/ES/ac/acopac/pnc/Paginas/default.aspx