Almost all the Glasswing butterflies you see hear belong to the Satyriinae family with the exception of the Chorinea species which belongs to the stunning Riodinidae family (also known as the metalmarks for the brilliant, metallic hues) and a couple Ithomiinaes. Satyriinae are characterized by thicker veins on the wings, solidarity, and staying away from bright lights. They are also associated with host plants from the Monocotyledons family. Monococotyledons are plants such as palms, bamboos, and orchids. Cithearias in particular are preferential to palms.
The Glasswing Butterflies in this particular piece are (see more info below image):
Chorinea sylphina - This clearwing butterfly at first glance seems purely transparent in the open spaces of the wing patterns. However, when this butterfly is tilted to reflect light at different angles, you will find different hues of colors glimmering back. This butterfly, unlike most other larger Glasswings, belongs to the Riodinidae family of metalmarks.
Cithaerias merolina Male: The Male merolina can be found in dark damp rainforest and has a thinner body and notable pink on the lower wings. This beautiful butterfly belongs to the Satyridae family, which is an interesting family that includes butterflies that hire ants as personal bodyguards.
Haetera hypasia: This interesting looking Haetera is a cousin of the Piera and shares several characteristics. The patterns on this one are black, cube-like abstract. This is probably one of my favorites.
Godyris duilia (duillia) – This glasswing butterfly pertains to the Ithomiidae tribe, from the Nymphalidae family. As caterpillars they are fascinating, transparent little creatures that appear to be green because of the food that is traveling down their digestive track. Even the pupa is somewhat transparent, with the brown lines of their wings appearing darker and darker as they mature.
Haetera piera: The Haetera piera belongs to the Satyriinae family, and like the Cithaerias, is known to be found in dark damp places. Unlike the Cithaerrias they are known be found around bamboo plants as opposed to palms. They shun bright light, coming out around dusk and hanging out in the shadows and can be found in singles and pairs, hardly ever more then that.
*All frames are hand crafted and the quality and characteristics are much better then the common, one-sided Riker Mounts. One of the great benefits of double pane glass framing is that you can see the front and back sides of the mounted butterflies. In most cases involving Neotropical butterflies the front and back sides of the wings are distinctly different. The back many times displays a species distinct form of self defense.*
Every butterfly from Ben the Butterfly Guy comes the Eastern regions of Peru. All butterflies here are classified non-endangered by the international CITES listings as reviewed by both the Ministry of Agriculture from Peru and U.S. Fish and Wildlife in the States. Copies of documentation and clearance are available upon request.
