Great Eggfly
Image: Derk29 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGreat Eggfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas bolina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsdark brown, black, orange, white
HabitatTropical and subtropical forests, open woodlands, gardens, disturbed areas, coastal areas
Geographic RangeSoutheast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, parts of Africa and Madagascar
Host PlantsPipturus, Fleurya, Asystasia, Ruellia
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark-bodied with a reddish head. Pupae are typically green or brown, suspended head-down.
Identification TipsKey features include the distinct sexual dimorphism, with males often displaying iridescent blue or orange patches, and females being highly variable, frequently mimicking other butterfly species with large white or orange markings on dark wings.
Description
This species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism; the male has dark brown wings with a prominent orange-brown patch on the forewing and small white spots, while the female is polymorphic, often dark brown with large white patches on both forewings and hindwings.
