When it comes to the Common Eggfly Butterfly, the word “common” certainly doesn’t equate to boring!
Today we share 10 facts about this incredible butterfly species.
1. As a Pupa, Its Life Literally Hangs By a Thread
The pupa of the Common Eggfly suspends itself by just one point!
2. Its Name Is Pretty Literal
The “egg” refers to the white circle on the male butterflies wings.
3. Female Common Eggfly Butterflies Are Without “Eggs”
Not literally, of course! However, the female Common Eggfly does not have the bright white “egg spots” and purple iridescence on her wings.
Instead, she is brownish-black, with faint white markings on the edge of her wings.
4. It’s Also Known As The Blue Moon Butterfly
Next time you spot a Common Eggfly butterfly at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, why not serenade it with a little Billie Holliday?
This butterfly is commonly known as the Blue Moon Butterfly in New Zealand.
What can we say, it’s an esky vs chilli bin kind of situation…
5. Females Are Fantastic Mothers
Females are known to guard the leaves that they lay their eggs on. They even inspect the leaves for ants prior to laying!
6. On The Other Hand, Males Are Warriors
The male Common Eggfly is one territorial little critter! They are known to physically battle over territories and each butterfly has his own specific territory.
7. They Enjoy Human Sweat
It isn’t exactly our choice of drink, but these butterflies love it! They consume sweat for its salt contents, which is lacking in nectar flowers.
8. They Pretend To Be Toxic
The white markings on the females outer-wing mimic the Common Crow Butterfly, which is, in fact, poisonous. Pretty clever way to deter predators!
9. Infected Caterpillars Threatened The Population
The male population was sadly reduced by an infection caused by bacteria in the caterpillars. By 2001, the male population has to decreased to almost 1%.
However, these clever caterpillars developed an immunity to the infection and the population rocketed up to 40% by 2007.
10. Caterpillars Are Mini Monsters
Well, not literally; but they do have spikes and horns!
See the stunning Common Eggfly at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, the largest butterfly house in the Southern Hemisphere.
