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.
There are 6 Badecla species, variously distributed from Colombia and Guyana to Brazil, Peru and Argentina. On the dorsal surface the wings of most species are pale brown, and virtually devoid of the blue scaling found in the majority of Theclinae. The ventral surface of all species is dull earthy brown in colour, marked on the hindwings ( and in most species also the forewings ) with a jagged broken “hairstreak” line that is edged inwardly with red. The width of this red edging varies a great deal from one species to another, and is also quite variable within each species.
Badecla lanckena is endemic to the eastern Andes of Peru.
Habitats
This species is found in primary rainforest at altitudes between about 200-800m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
To be completed.