Great Eggfly
Image: Indah Rasmita Diar (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGreat Eggfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas bolina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)75
Primary Colorsblack, white
HabitatGardens, open country, forest edges, disturbed areas, urban parks
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, Pacific islands
Host PlantsPipturus, Fleurya, Sida, Asystasia, Ruellia, Portulaca
Flight PeriodAll year (in tropical regions)
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and black with reddish-brown heads. Pupae are brown and spiny, suspended head-down.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by iridescent blue patches. Females are highly polymorphic but often show black wings with white bands and spots, sometimes mimicking *Euploea* species. Look for the characteristic wing shape and the specific arrangement of white markings.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with black wings featuring prominent white bands and spots. The female, as pictured, typically displays a broad white band on the hindwing and a series of white patches on the forewing.
