The great eggfly, also known as Hypolimnas bolina, common eggfly, varied eggfly, or blue moon butterfly in New Zealand, is a type of nymphalid butterfly. This species can be found in various locations ranging from Madagascar and Asia to Australia.
Habitat of the Great Eggfly Butterfly
The Great Eggfly Butterfly thrives in dense forests, lush gardens, and areas with plenty of vegetation. They are commonly found in tropical regions across Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. In Nepal, these butterflies can be seen thriving in subtropical forested zones at elevations up to 1,000 meters above sea level.
Flight Behaviour and Pattern of the Great Eggfly Butterfly
The flight pattern of the Great Eggfly Butterfly is a mesmerizing sight to behold. These butterflies exhibit a slow, graceful flight characterized by their long gliding movements. They are known to gracefully flutter from flower to flower when nectaring or searching for suitable host plants to lay their eggs.
Life Cycle of the Great Eggfly Butterfly
The life cycle of the Great Eggfly Butterfly includes four distinct stages: egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa (chrysalis), and adult butterfly. Females typically lay their eggs on host plants such as Sida rhombifolia or Pipturus argenteus. When the larvae hatch from their eggs, they begin munching on the leaves of their host plant until they enter the pupal stage.
During this stage, the caterpillars shed their exoskeleton several times until they form a chrysalis. Inside this protective casing, larvae undergo an extraordinary metamorphosis from a crawling bug to a vibrant adult butterfly. After about one to two weeks, the adult butterfly emerges from the chrysalis, ready to take flight.
Features and Behaviour: Male and Female Great Eggfly Butterfly
Males of this species boast striking colors of black with iridescent blue spots on their wings. These bold markings not only make them stand out in the wild, but also play a significant role in pursuing mates. Male Great Eggfly Butterflies engage in a unique behavior known as "hill-topping" where they gather at elevated sites to patrol and compete for incoming females.
Female Great Eggfly Butterflies have a more subdued coloration compared to their male counterparts. Their wings exhibit shades of dark brown with white markings, helping them blend in with their surroundings – an ideal camouflage for evading predators and protecting their eggs. Female butterflies engage in "oviposition" or egg-laying behavior by carefully selecting suitable host plants.
Distribution and Spotting of Great Eggfly Butterfly in Nepal
To find these beautiful creatures in Nepal, venture into subtropical forested areas up to 1,000 meters above sea level. Keep an eye out for their distinctive gliding flight pattern as they flutter among flowers and foliage searching for nectar or host plants. A perfect location for butterfly enthusiasts to observe this fascinating species is the protected Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park.
So next time you find yourself immersed in the breathtaking beauty of Nepal's stunning landscapes, take a moment to appreciate the equally enchanting world of the Great Eggfly Butterfly – truly a marvel of nature.