Sep 14th, 2015

Meet our Clearwing Butterfly

by Hilaire Ashworth
Costa Rican clearwing (Greta oto)

A clearwing butterfly — best camouflage around!

The Costa Rican clearwing (Greta oto) is one our favorite butterflies because its wings are clear! Their wings lack scales, so the clear chitinous membrane between the visible veins appears see-through. In Costa Rica, this butterfly is often referred to as ‘mariposa espejitos’ meaning the butterfly with little mirrors in Spanish.

 

About Hilaire Ashworth

Hilaire Ashworth is an Assistant Butterfly Curator in the Butterflies LIVE! exhibit. Here are a few more facts about her: Q: If you were a butterfly, which one would you be? A: Bat Wing (Atrophaneura semperi)! I love the vibrant red against the black and white wings. Q: What do you do in your spare time? A: I spend most of my spare time with my adopted street cat and organic gardening. However, I love rock climbing, hiking, and spending as much time outdoors as I possibly can.

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