Male Great Egg Fly

Hypolimnas bolina also called Common Eggfly or Great Eggfly is a common butterfly from Asia. With a wingspan of 8.0 - 9.0 cm the Common Eggfly is a small member of the family Nymphalidae. The butterfly is black with white, orange and blue spots. The Common Eggfly is a good example for sexual dimorphism.

The Common Eggfly (Hypolimnas bolina) is a butterfly of Asia. The distribution extends from whole Africa, Australia to India and enfolded Yemen, Oman and Madagascar. Hypolimnas bolina is found throughout India. It is an extremely widespread species. This species is found in open lightly forested and scrubby habitats at elevations between sea level and about 1000m.

Males are generally velvety black with purple-lined white patches in the middle of each wing. The larger females are black-brown with a complex pattern of white patches, with red orange patches on the forewing (lacking in some individuals). The forewings and hindwings of both sexes are outlined in wavy black and white fringe. The undersides of both sexes are generally brown with bands of white spots and branches.

The female of Hypolimnas bolina is a mimic of the Common Crow Euploea core.

The popular name 'Eggfly' refers to the extraordinary parental behaviour which have a unique way of safeguarding their offspring. Prior to laying any eggs they inspect various leaves to ensure that there are no ants present. The eggs of bolina are usually laid in very small batches on the under surface. After ovipositing the females then stand guard over their eggs, forming a protective umbrella to shield them from parasitoid wasps. They remain in this position until all the eggs have hatched and the caterpillars have dispersed, by which time the protective female has usually died in situ.