[5] Previously, the genus was considered close to the genera Epiphile, as well as Catonephele, Cybdelis, Myscelia, Pseudonica, and Pyrrhogyra in a group dubbed the "Catonephelinae" by Ebert.

Temenis laothoe is the most recognizable member of the genus, and has a range that stretches from Mexico to Bolivia, making contrasting with it more straightforward.

[7] Salik proposes the following phylogenetic tree with regards to the placement of Temenis in the Epiphilini, using implicit weighing analysis:[2] Newick format: "(Eunica (Callicore (Haematera + Lucinia) (Callicorina + Asterope) (Pyrrhogyra (Nica + Peria) (Bolboneura (Temenis + Epiphile))))))))))"[2] Eunica Callicore Haematera Lucinia Callicorina Asterope Pyrrhogyra Nica Peria Bolboneura Temenis Epiphile The larvae are associated with and feed on plants in the family Sapindaceae, like other members of the Biblidinae,[8] such as members of the genera Cardiospermum, Paullinia, Serjania, and Urvillea.

Members of the genus are poisonous as a result of the sequestration of toxic compounds consumed during the larval stage by plants in the Sapindaceae family.

[6] Unlike the "flash and hide effect" that some related butterflies employ, members of the genus Temenis are rather conspicuous compared to the background vegetation.