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 7 Aubergina species, found variously from Mexico to Peru. The uppersides of males are dark brown, with a blue or purplish-blue iridescence extending almost to the margins, and an oval androconial patch at the end of the fw cell. Females are plain earthy brown on the upperside. The undersides of most of the species are similar to that of alda.
Aubergina alda is a common species in central Peru. It also occurs in Brazil, and has been found in French Guyana by Faynel, who determined the identification of the images on this page, based on the type of the species in the BMNH.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforest, at altitudes between about 100-800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
Males can often be found settled on logs or foliage, or imbibing moisture from rocks or boulders. They are generally encountered singly, but often several different individuals will be found in the same general area over a period of a few days.