Vesta Crescent

Nymphalidae: Crescent Butterflies California Crescent Field Crescent Mylitta Crescent Pale-banded Crescent Pearl Crescent Phaon Crescent Texan Crescent Butterfly Pictures

The Vesta Crescent butterfly (Phyciodes vesta) is a neotropical species that can be found in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and occasionally in a couple of Midwestern states.

The relatively consistent orange color and pattern in the forewings and hindwings offer good field identification clues. In Southern areas where up to six Phyciodes species overlap, a close examination of the wing pattern will be necessary for accurate identification.

Adults nectar on a variety of flowers and the caterpillars feed on Tube Tongue, a purple flowering plant.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels