Introduction
The Pyrginae, popularly known as Flats or Spreadwings, are a cosmopolitan subfamily distributed across temperate and tropical habitats throughout the world. In the Americas there are 990 species.
The tribe Eudamini includes 44 genera in the Americas, amongst which are the Long-tailed Skippers Urbanus, Chioides and Aguna; and other familiar genera including Phocides, Autochton, Astraptes Pellicia and Calaenorrhinus.
The genus Iliana comprises of 4 species. Iliana heros is similar to purpurascens but lacks the 3 tiny white apical dots, as do the other 2 species romulus and remus. The latter 2 are both very plain and have only very vague suffused dark markings.
Iliana purpurascens is known from Brazil and Peru.
Habitats
This species is found in tropical and subtropical forest at altitudes between about 200-800m.
Lifecycle
To be completed.
Adult behaviour
The butterflies have a rapid whirring flight, and are so quick on the wing that they are only normally observed when they settle to imbibe moisture from river beaches or urine tainted soil.