Danaid Eggfly (male)

Description:

The Danaid Eggfly, Mimic, or Diadem (Hypolimnas misippus) is a widespread species of nymphalid butterfly. It is well known for polymorphism and mimicry. Males are blackish with distinctive white spots that are fringed in blue. Females are in multiple forms that include male like forms while others closely resemble the toxic butterflies Danaus chrysippus and Danaus plexippus. In certain lights, the scales around the white spots shine a brilliant blue, but one has to be in exactly the right position to catch them on camera!

Habitat:

This male was seen in my garden every afternoon for a couple of weeks. No sign of a female!