Greta oto is the rainforest butterfly species commonly called the glasswing butterfly.
This distinctive butterfly lives from Central America into parts of South America and is recognized for its transparent wings. The wings appear clear because much of their surface has very low light reflection, while dark veins and reddish-brown margins outline the wing structure. This gives Greta oto an unusual camouflage advantage in forest vegetation.
Adults feed mainly on flower nectar, while the caterpillars feed on plants in the nightshade family, especially Cestrum species. Chemicals obtained from host plants can help make the adults distasteful to predators. Males also gather in groups called leks, where they compete for access to females.
The common name “glasswing” is sometimes applied broadly to several transparent-winged butterflies in the tribe Ithomiini. Greta oto is the best-known species associated with the name, so the scientific name is the most precise answer when a question asks for this particular rainforest butterfly.