Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos)
Pearl crescents are colorful butterflies found in North America. Their color patterns are somewhat variable geographically, but even with the variations, they are one of the most beautiful butterflies around.
Scientific Classification
- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Phyciodes
- Common names: Pearl Crescent
- Scientific Name: Phyciodes tharos
Identification
Caterpillar
These are chocolate brown, white, and black with bristles. They feed communally slowly making their way down the food plant.
Pupa
The chrysalis is whitish grey to yellow-brown in color with subtle, bumpy ridges on the upper surface.
Adult Butterfly
Sexual Dimorphism: Males have a knob at the tip of their antenna. Females are darker in color than males.
When unfolded, the upper side of the wings is orange with black markings and margins.
In a folded position, the underside of the wings are grey-brown to orange-brown; they lack the black dots but have a white crescent along the border.
Average Wingspan: 1.18-1.58 inches (3-4 cm).
Flight Pattern: Erratic; they tend to fly low, staying near the ground, alternating between gliding and flapping their wings.
Quick Facts |
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Distribution | All of the United States other than the west coast, across Mexico, and Southern Canada |
Habitat | Fields, pastures, open pine forests, roadsides, and vacant areas |
Host plants | Various aster plants |
Adult diet | Nectar from swamp milkweed, dogbane, asters, winter cress and shepherd’s needle |
Did You Know?
- The pearl crescent is often confused with the similar looking northern crescent and tawny crescent.

Scientific Classification

- Family: Nymphalidae
- Genus: Phyciodes
- Common names: Pearl Crescent
- Scientific Name: Phyciodes tharos

