Pearl Crescent
The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) has an 1-1/4 to 1-3/4 inch wingspan. It is a small, bright orange butterfly that often flies low to the ground and glides frequently. The pattern is variable between males and females and even different broods, but there is an extensive pattern of reticulate (net-veined) black markings on the hindwing. Below, the brown smudge on the border of the hindwing encloses a pale crescent shaped marking.
This butterfly is common to abundant in open areas, fields, meadows, power-line cuts, gardens, suburbs, etc. It is found throughout the east and west to Montana and south through Mexico. It is found all year in Florida and south Georgia. It has 3 broods north to Philadelphia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska from April to October. It has 2 broods farther north from mid May/June to September.
The main food plant of the Pearl Crescent are the Asters. This is one of the most common and widespread butterflies in North America.
This butterfly is common to abundant in open areas, fields, meadows, power-line cuts, gardens, suburbs, etc. It is found throughout the east and west to Montana and south through Mexico. It is found all year in Florida and south Georgia. It has 3 broods north to Philadelphia, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska from April to October. It has 2 broods farther north from mid May/June to September.
The main food plant of the Pearl Crescent are the Asters. This is one of the most common and widespread butterflies in North America.