Green Nature

Pearl Crescent

picture of a Pearl Crescent butterfly


The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) is one of the most wide-spread of all crescent species, found in a variety of habitats from East of the Rocky Mountains to the East Coast.

The caterpillars feed on plants in the aster family, the largest flower family, which explains the species large range.

Their life cycle depending on the growing season in their territory. In southern areas, they can be found flying throught the year.

The top picture shows a male. Females have a few more white marks in the wing pattern.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels