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 Theclopsis comprises of 10 known species, variously distributed from Mexico to Peru.
Theclopsis demea is distributed from Nicaragua to Ecuador.
Habitats
This species is found in primary rainforest habitats at altitudes between about 100-700m.
Lifecycle
Unknown.
Adult behaviour
The adults spend much of their lives in the canopy, but in mid-morning they descend and settle on low herbage, where courtship and copulation take place. The pre-nuptial behaviour is facinating to watch, with male and female facing each other, indulging in bowing rituals and antenna interplay.