Great Eggfly
Common NameGreat Eggfly
Scientific NameHypolimnas bolina
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)80
Primary Colorsblack, blue, white
HabitatOpen woodlands, gardens, parks, agricultural areas, forest edges
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Australia, and parts of Africa
Host PlantsSida rhombifolia, Fleurya interrupta, Asystasia gangetica, Portulaca oleracea
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple broods
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, black with a reddish head, and pupate as a suspended chrysalis, typically green or brown.
Identification TipsMales are unmistakable with their large, iridescent blue-white spots on a velvety black background. Females are highly variable and mimic other species, making them harder to identify without context.
Description
The male Great Eggfly is a large, dark butterfly with prominent iridescent blue-white patches on its forewings and hindwings, bordered by black. The female is highly polymorphic and mimics other butterflies.
