InsectNet forum

Glasswing butterflies make up several genera of
mostly Ithomiine butterflies. Some authors consider
the group a subfamily (Ithomiinae) whereas, others
regard them more as a tribe (Ithomiini) of the nymphalid
subfamily Danainae.

They are indeed diverse and the evolutionary success of
these butterflies (blending-in -- in plain sight) via minimal
markings and transparency also, carries over to other unrelated
familes/subfamilies of butterflies.



Many moons ago I had the priviledge of visiting Bolivia for
a 2 week stay on a lepidopterists excursion led by Tom
Emmel. It was wonderful meeting like-minded enthusiasts
with the same passion/joy for insects. Butterflies abounded
so it was not easy to stay focused on any (one) group but, I
tried to "stay sharp" about glasswings.





All told, I probably encountered some 10 or 12 species
myself however, I'm certain there were others. Some species
were more commonly encountered than others whilst some
were just "one and done" singles....

Some butterflies encountered from differing genera AND
perhaps other subfamilies/families (such as the next two);
possessed the same blending-in abilities but, were not TRUE
ithomiines like the first 3 posted above.





So, in a sense the term "glasswing butterfly" can actually
cover a broad scheme of butterflies if one remains open minded.

Lovely specimens trehopr. I saw a few species in Brazil & Argentina on a visit to South America five years ago. It's very hard to identify particular species in the field I found. I did not do any collecting on that trip as I had no permits etc.

Does this count as a “glasswing”?
Acraea semivitrea from western Uganda. A male above a female. The top male specimen was one of my first ever captures as a schoolboy. The photo has been deliberately taken over a map to emphasise wing clarity.

Thank you for your additions to the thread mcheki !
Yes, in the broad context of my thread title; "glasswing" butterflies is meant to embrace all species (regardless of family/subfamily) with the element of blending-in abilities.

I suppose I see the whole convergent evolution theme fascinating and it works splendidly across a broad spectrum of butterflies.

Here is yet another of my ithomiine species of
glasswing butterfly. This one was the only one
of its kind that I encountered. Diffrent from the
first (3) that I posted at the start of this thread.

This one is larger than the other (3) and it has a
"smokey" appearance to the (middle) region of
its otherwise clear wingtips !

Amazing diversity amongst these....