Diet

• The larval food plants of Theope species are diverse and include plants from numerous families, including Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Urticaceae, Convolvulaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Dilleniaceae and Rubiaceae.

• The larvae of known Theope species are strongly associated with ants, particularly ants of the genus Azteca. The ants tend and protect the caterpillars, forming an important part of their larval biology.

• Adults visit flowers for nectar and may also obtain nutrients from other sources.

Range

• Theope is a Neotropical genus occurring from Mexico through Central America and across much of tropical South America, with the overall range extending southward to northern Argentina.

• Several species occur in Mexico, including species recorded from western and southern Mexico.

• The genus occurs in the Zihua region, where species such as Theope eupolis and Theope barea have been documented from Guerrero.

Habitat

• Theope species inhabit a wide variety of tropical habitats, including tropical dry forest, humid forest, woodland, forest edges, river margins, clearings and secondary vegetation.

• Mexican species occur from lowland tropical habitats into foothill and montane environments, depending on the species.

• In the Zihua region, suitable habitat includes tropical dry forest, woodland edges, riparian vegetation and sunny forest clearings.

• Adults are generally small, fast-flying butterflies that frequently perch on the undersides of leaves. Some species are particularly associated with shaded forest margins and river edges.

Description

• Theope is a genus of small to medium-sized metalmark butterflies in the family Riodinidae and subfamily Riodininae.

• Species generally have compact bodies and relatively broad wings, with patterns ranging from brown and grey to blue, violet, orange and metallic shades.

• Many species have contrasting bands, spots or iridescent scaling on the upper or underside of the wings.

• Adults often perch with the wings partially open or closed and may rest on the undersides of leaves, making them inconspicuous despite their often striking wing patterns.

• The genus is one of the largest within the tribe Nymphidiini, and taxonomic studies recognise numerous distinct species groups within Theope.