Eggfly Butterfly
Common NameEggfly Butterfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas bolina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternsolid
Primary Colorsblack, white, blue
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, parks, disturbed areas, coastal regions
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, parts of Africa
Host PlantsPouzolzia, Fleurya, Asystasia, Ruellia, Portulaca
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark-bodied caterpillars, and pupae are typically green or brown, suspended head-down.
Identification TipsFemales are highly polymorphic, often mimicking unpalatable species, but typically feature large white patches on dark wings. Males are more consistently black with large white spots and a distinct blue sheen.
Description
The female in the image displays dark brown to black wings with prominent white patches; a large, irregular white patch adorns the forewing apex, while the hindwings feature a series of white submarginal spots and a central white patch, often with a subtle blue iridescence.
