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Also known as the Blue Moon Butterfly or the Great Jacintha Eggfly
Eggfly butterflies are among the most territorial butterflies around.
They will choose one spot that they consider to be theirs, and chase away any intruders including Cairns Birdwings which are twice their size.
They will always return back to the same spot. They may stay at the same spot for many days.
The Eggfly also exhibits a rare example of maternal care in butterflies, as they are known for guarding leaves where they have laid eggs.
*The male Eggfly is monomorphic, while the female is polymorphic, showing many colors and patterns.
* There are four known subspecies, but it is a quite variable species with many morphs.
Diet: adults feed on rotting fruit, manure, decaying flesh, animal tears, sweat and urine.
Avg. Wingspan: 70 - 85 mm / 2.8 - 3.3 "
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta, Order: Lepidoptera
* Being Brush-footed butterflies, Eggflies have a short pair of fore legs that are used to taste food, and two pairs of longer rear legs that are used for propulsion.
The single biggest threat to butterfly survival is habitat destruction!!
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