PEARL CRESCENT
Phyciodes tharos
BRUSHFOOT FAMILY (Nymphalidae)
Description
This small, colorful Crescent has a wingspan of 1 - 1 1/2 inches. The orange and black color patterns are variable seasonally and geographically. It has a row of small, black spots along the submarginal band on the dorsal side of the hindwing. The ventral side of the male's hindwing is a clear yellow, while the female's has more brown markings. Both sexes have a pale crescent at the center of the hindwing margin. The very similar species, the Silvery Checkerspot, is a little larger and usually has at least 2 silver spots in the row of small black spots on the hindwing. The mature caterpillar is about 3/4 inch long and is grayish-brown with white speckles and many branching spines. The head is shiny black with a white line over each lobe.
Occurrence
This species is common in Fontenelle Forest and Neale Woods and can be seen from spring through fall nectaring on composite flowers.
Comments
The larval host plants are asters. The third instar caterpillar overwinters.
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is: Babs Padelford.
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