Varied Eggfly

This territorial butterfly is named because the spots on the male’s wings are a distinctive egg shape. The spots show striking colour changes from white to blue to purple when seen at different angles.

The caterpillars are usually more active at night which is when they feed. The caterpillars usually pupate away from host plant. While pupating the chrysalis is suspend head down by the cremaster.

The butterfly often rests with its wings open during the day. The females differ in colour, pattern and size to the males.

Scientific Name

Hypolimnas bolina

Feeds On

Paddys Lucerne (Sida rhombifolia) or Ganges Bluebell (Asystasia gangetica)

Usual Location

Northern and eastern coast and hinterland

Best Viewing

Throughout the year

Wing Span

Male 8 cm; Female 9 cm

Caterpillar

Cylindrical and black, with orange tubercles all over the body. Grows to 6 cm in length.

Chrysalis

Brown with black spikes. About 3 cm long.