AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Pteronymia cotytto
Cotytto Clearwing
(Guérin-Méneville, [1844])
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A small, delicate brush-footed butterfly famous for its largely transparent wings framed by thin, reddish-brown or dark borders. The absence of colored scales on most of the wing surface creates a striking window-like effect.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Cotytto ClearwingMariposa espejitoEspejitosClearwing butterfly
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Arthropoda
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Insecta
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Lepidoptera
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Nymphalidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Pteronymia
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Guérin-Méneville, [1844])
Record Completeness
94%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Unknown
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits tropical rainforests, cloud forests, and secondary growth areas from Central America down into northern South America. They thrive in humid environments and are typically found flying low in the shaded understory.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal flyers that spend most of their time hovering slowly inside the deep shade of the forest floor, avoiding bright open spaces. They participate in mimicry rings with other clearwing species to enhance predator deterrence.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary while foraging, but males frequently aggregate in shaded hillside areas or 'leks' to release pheromones collectively and attract females.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Nectarivorous adult, herbivorous larva (folivore).Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Caterpillars are specialized herbivores feeding on Solanaceae (such as Solanum or Cestrum). Adults feed on nectar and moisture. Adults are avoided by most insectivorous birds due to toxicity, but can fall prey to spiders and dragonflies.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Males establish small territories in leks under the canopy. After mating, females locate appropriate larval host plants in the understory to lay single, tiny eggs on the undersides of leaves.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
4.5 - 5.5 cm
Weight (Grams)
0.1 g - 0.3 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.20 - 60
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 - 3 Days
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
4 - 8
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males1 - 2 Months
Females1 - 2 Months
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males possess specialized androconial scent patches (hair pencils) along the costal margin of the hindwings, used to disperse pheromones during courtship.
Females Multi-lang
Females lack androconial hair patches on the hindwings and generally have a slightly broader, rounder abdomen adapted for egg production.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
The transparent membrane of their wings lacks scales, allowing background patterns and light to pass through completely, rendering them nearly invisible to predators while flying in shaded forests.
As caterpillars, they feed on toxic plants primarily in the Solanaceae family, sequestering chemical toxins that remain in their bodies as adults, making them unpalatable to birds.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat fragmentation and deforestation caused by agricultural expansion and logging, which destroys the understory and larval host plants.
Climate change, which alters the humidity and temperature balance required by sensitive tropical clearwing butterfly populations.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Adult males often feed on the nectar of Asteraceae plants to extract pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These chemicals are essential for the production of courtship pheromones used to attract females.