The subfamily Pyrrhopyginae comprises 163 species, most of which are confined to the neotropics. The Pyrrhopyginae are characterised by having a massive muscular thorax and a conical abdomen with compressed segments. The wings of most species are black, often with a metallic blue sheen, and are swept back, half covering the hindwings when the butterflies settle. Several genera, including Jemadia, Elbella and Parelbella have a pattern of hyaline windows on the forewings, and are marked with stripes and bands of metallic blue and white. Many of these species are superficially very similar, but the shape and configuration of the hyaline areas and blue streaks is different in each species.

According to Andrew Neild, author of The Butterflies of Venezuela and a recognized authority on Neotropical butterflies, this is an Elbella species. Making a 100% ID is only possible by checking the genitalia.

Banabeki B&B area, Republiek, Suriname, 13 October 2016