-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Butterflies and Moths (Order Lepidoptera)

-Butterflies (Superfamily Papilionoidea)

-Metalmark Butterflies (Family Riodinidae)

-True Metalmarks (Subfamily Riodininae)

-Tribe Nymphidiini

-Subtribe Theopina

-Genus Theope

The genus Theope is a large group of myrmecophilous (ant-associating) butterflies within the family Riodinidae (metalmarks). Adults are known for resting with their wings closed and are often found in wet forest habitats. Males frequently display "hilltopping" behaviour, perching on ridges and hilltops to find mates. Most Theope caterpillars are "myrmecophilous," meaning they live in close association with ant, most notably those from the genus Azteca.Mutualism: The caterpillars possess specialized organs that produce nutritious secretions for the ants. In exchange, the ants protect the larvae from predators and parasites.