Xulosasini

Xulosasini is a tribe of butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Satyrinae. The taxon was established by entomologist A. R. Keane in 1996 to formalize a distinctive clade of montane forest butterflies found in the Veridia region. The name derives from the genus Xulosas, the type genus of the tribe.

As currently circumscribed, Xulosasini includes two genera, Xulosas and Lumavara, together containing seven described species. Members are medium-sized, with wingspans around 28–46 mm. They typically exhibit muted olive-to-brown wing coloration with faint greenish iridescence and a series of small submarginal spots on the forewings; hindwings often bear a pair of small eyespots and a scalloped termen.

Distribution and habitat: Endemic to the cloud forests of Veridia, at elevations roughly 1200–2600 m. They favor shaded understory and mossy substrates, and adults nectar at a range of understory flowers. Larvae are generalist feeders on grasses and related monocot hosts.

Taxonomy and evolution: Phylogenetic analyses place Xulosasini within Satyrinae, related to other montane tribes. Ongoing studies aim to resolve inter-tribal relationships. Conservation: All species have relatively small ranges, and several face habitat loss due to deforestation and climate change.

Note: This article describes a fictional taxon created for world-building purposes.