The wings of the glasswing must have the same refractive index all the way through them as otherwise this transparency could not possibly occur. It is thought (a postulation at the moment rather than sure fire fact) that the surface of the wing has a covering of protrusions that are so small they can be called submicroscopic. They have a single refractive index and so do not scatter light, so making the wings transparent.
See lots of pretty pictures and read more here.
Via Kuriositas
No!!!!!! (as in good "no" :) )Oh my god, thank you for this.
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I'm half-assed planning a trip to South America this fall and may go looking for these guys.
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