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Phyciodes tharos
The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) is a butterfly of North America. Its pattern is quite variable. Males usually have black antennal knobs. Its upperside is orange with black borders; postmedian and submarginal areas are crossed by fine black marks. Underside of hindwing has a dark marginal patch containing a light-colored crescent. The wingspan is from 21 to 34 mm.
It is found in all parts of the United States except the west coast, and throughout Mexico and parts of southern Canada, in particular Ontario. Its habitat is open areas such as pastures, road edges, vacant lots, fields, open pine woods. This one was photographed at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park near Augusta (Richmond County), SC.
Adults find nectar from a great variety of flowers including dogbane, swamp milkweed, shepherd's needle, asters, and winter cress. Males patrol open areas for females. The eggs are laid in small batches on the underside of host plant leaves. Caterpillars eat the leaves and are gregarious when young. Hibernation is by third-stage caterpillars.
Spotted on May 26, 2012
Submitted on Mar 30, 2013
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