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 16 Ocaria species. Most have a strong blue iridescence on the upperside, although this is restricted to the hindwings in some species, and is virtually absent in thales. The undersides vary a lot – aholiba for example has a brown ground colour with a pattern of thin white ‘hairstreak’ stripes, while the underside of clenchi has purple sheen and is marked with a single jagged reddish-brown stripe. The majority of species however have blackish undersides mottled with grey and white. Most species have rounded hindwings that have a pair of filamentous tails, one longer than the other, but elongata these tails are absent, and the wings are elongated.
Ocaria elongata is known from Brazil and Ecuador.
Habitats
This species is found in rainforest at altitudes between about 200-900m. It is often seen in disturbed areas including forest-edge habitats, glades and clearings.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies are usually encountered as singletons, with males often found imbibing moisture from boulders, patches of damp soil, peccary wallows or cattle dung.