The Science Behind Transparent Wings: How Glasswing Butterflies Disappear

Sylvia Duruson

In the lush rainforests of Central and South America flutters one of nature’s most remarkable optical illusions – the glasswing butterfly. Unlike their colorful cousins that advertise their presence with vibrant patterns, these delicate insects have evolved a different survival strategy: virtual invisibility. With wings as transparent as glass, these butterflies seem to vanish before ...

a butterfly sitting on top of a yellow flower

Can You Plant to Attract Butterflies? The Science of Floral Preferences

Sylvia Duruson

The delicate flutter of butterfly wings in a garden is not just a chance occurrence, but often the result of deliberate botanical choices that gardeners make. Butterflies, with their remarkable sensory capabilities, are drawn to specific plants that offer them sustenance, shelter, and breeding grounds. Understanding the science behind butterfly attractions can transform an ordinary ...

Kallima butterfly camouflaged against leaf litter, resembling a dead leaf

Why Some Butterflies Look Like Dead Leaves

Muhammad Sharif

In the vast and vibrant world of butterflies, there exists a remarkable group that has evolved to look precisely like dead, dried leaves. These butterflies, often from the Kallima genus (commonly known as oakleaf butterflies) and several other species, have developed one of nature’s most extraordinary camouflage techniques. With wings closed, they appear as nothing ...