Known in Australia as the 'giant eggfly', 'common eggfly' and 'varied eggfly', this large butterfly often arrives in large numbers on late summer cyclones. In 2022 there were sightings throughout the winter - perhaps they are now breeding here? The male comes in one form, but the females can look quite different.
Family
Nymphalidae
Biostatus
Rare migrant, quite often flown/blown from Australia to NZ late in the summer although in 2022 there were sightings throughout the winter.
Adult/Imago
Males have jet black wings with three prominent ultraviolet eyespots and other small white patches/spots. Females come in three different colourations.
Wingspan
70-110 mm