Introduction
Almost all neotropical Theclinae species are placed in the Eumaeini. The tribe is not particularly well represented in collections, so until fairly recently a high percentage remained unstudied, and were inappropriately filed away in the ‘convenience’ genus Thecla. Many taxonomists have attempted to rationalise the systematics of the Eumaeini, the most recent being Robbins who published a revision in 2004, reclassifying the taxa into 83 genera. Currently there are 1058 known species. Taking into account their small size, secretive behaviour, and the great similarities between many species, it is estimated that about another 200 species probably remain to be discovered.
The genus Symbiopsis comprises of 17 species, variously distributed from Mexico to Guyana, Brazil and Peru. Males of most species are dark brown above, with metallic pale blue scales over the basal area of the forewings and over most of the hindwings. Females are paler, with reduced blue scaling. The undersides of many species are similar to Calycopis, although that of lenitas is white and resembles Ostrinotes, and nivepunctata is blackish, marked with broken bands of white spots.
Symbiopsis tanais is distributed from Costa Rica to Ecuador.
Habitats
This species is found in cloudforest at elevations between about 500-1800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Symbiopsis butterflies seem to obtain all their sustenance from moisture imbibed from the ground, or from the surface of leaves.