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 currently 44 known Strephonota species. Many have only very recently been discovered, and only 25 of them have so far been given scientific names. The most widespread are tephraeus, syedra and ambrax, all of which are distributed from Mexico to the Amazon basin.
Both sexes of most species have dazzling metallic blue uppersides. The undersides are greyish or pale brown, either marked with a broken ‘hairstreak’ line similar to that of purpurantes, or marked like strephon and ericata with a conspicuous solid hairstreak line extending from mid-way along the strongly bowed costa of the hindwing.
Strephonota purpurantes 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.