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.
Best time to see a Pearl Crescent
The best time to see a Pearl Crescent is June–September, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 84,802 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Pearl Crescent? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Pearl Crescent sightings near you
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Spotted a Pearl Crescent?
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