Great Eggfly
Image: Jjurieee (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGreat Eggfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas bolina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, parks, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, Pacific islands, parts of Africa
Host PlantsPouzolzia, Fleurya, Asystasia, Ruellia, Portulaca oleracea
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and dark with an orange head. Pupae are typically green or brown, suspended head-down, with multiple generations per year.
Identification TipsFemales are highly variable, often mimicking other butterflies, but generally display dark wings with white markings. Males are typically black with large, iridescent blue-purple patches and a white subapical band on the forewing.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with dark wings featuring prominent white patches and bands. The female, as pictured, typically has a broad white band on the hindwing and distinct white spots on the forewing.
