Great Eggfly
Image: Derk29 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Common NameGreat Eggfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas bolina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, white, brown
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, gardens, parks, disturbed areas
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, Pacific Islands, parts of Africa
Host PlantsPipturus argenteus, Fleurya interrupta, Asystasia gangetica, Portulaca oleracea
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions
Flight Stylegliding
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plants. Larvae are spiny and black with a reddish head. Pupae are brown and spiny, typically suspended by the cremaster.
Identification TipsMales are easily identified by their large, iridescent blue-bordered white spots on dark wings. Females are more variable but often show a broad white band on the hindwing and white spots on the forewing, sometimes mimicking other butterfly species.
Description
A medium to large butterfly with dark brown to black wings. Males feature large iridescent blue-bordered white spots, while females are highly polymorphic, often displaying white bands and spots, sometimes with orange or reddish markings.
