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Pearl Crescent

Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos
Wing span: 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches

The upper wings of this small orange butterfly have an intricate network of black markings as well as black margins. A dark area on the trailing edge of the lower hind wing surrounds a pale crescent.

Flying or gliding low across open pastures, fields or power line cuts, the Pearl Crescent nectars on dogbane, milkweed, aster flowers.

Asters (Asteracae) are the host plants for the Pearl Crescent caterpillar. Easily confused with the Silvery Checkerspot.

 

Video © Eli Hosen; Pochantus State Park, Chesterfield County, VA; October 2010

Photos © Kim Hosen; Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area, Nokesville, VA
Top and first row below - August 2008 and September 2016

Pearl Crescent Pearl Crescent Butterfly Pearl Crescent mating