Description
The Great Eggfly occurs in Malaysia and Singapore in two subspecies, the other subspecies being the Jacintha Eggfly (H. bolina jacintha). Of particular interest is the polymorphism in the females of both subspecies. The males of the Great Eggfly differ from the Jacintha Eggfly in that the postdiscal white dots are absent, whilst in the female, the submarginal white fasciae are much reduced, taking a "V"-shaped form and separated. The female occurs in four principal forms and two subsidiary forms which are connected by a variable spectrum of intermediates, such that it is difficult to find two exactly matching examples.

Habitat & Habits
This species is seasonally common in Singapore, and is the resident species near the coastal areas of Sg Buloh Wetland Reserve and Pulau Ubin. Like the Jacintha Eggfly, the males are jealously territorial, and often return to a favourite perch repeatedly even after being disturbed. Whenever another butterfly flies by, the male will take off from its perch and "attack" the intruder. The species is strong on the wing, and is known to take part in migratory flights.

Other Observations
Males and females are equally common, particularly on Pulau Ubin, depending on seasonal fluctuations.

Early Stages
The caterpillar is dark brown, with bright orange spikes and an orange head with two black "horns". The caterpillars feed voraciously, and can defoliate the host plant in a few days. Where the Sweet Potato (Ipomaea battatas) plant is cultivated, occasional infestations of the caterpillar cause it to be considered a pest to the farming of this crop.

Further Reading