Species Insects & ArthropodsPearl Crescent

Pearl Crescent

Phyciodes tharos

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)

The Pearl Crescent is a small, common butterfly with orange and black checkered wings and a distinctive pale crescent mark on the outer hindwing below. It is one of the most abundant butterflies in open areas east of the Rockies and can be seen in multiple broods from spring through fall. Males perch on plants along paths to watch for females.

Habitat
Open fields, roadsides, gardens, and moist meadows
Diet
Larvae: aster leaves. Adults: nectar from low flowers
How common
Common

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