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Phyciodes tharos
The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) is a butterfly of North America. 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 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.
Its habitat is open areas such as pastures, road edges, vacant lots, fields, open pine woods. This butterfly was spotted in a field near our house.
After referring to the "Bugguide" website, I have decided this butterfly is a pearl crescent. There are many different variables of this butterfly and I think this spotting most resembles a pearl crescent.
Spotted on Jul 2, 2013
Submitted on Dec 2, 2013
3 Comments
superb,,
Thank you again Bayucca. I will keep researching and looking at all the bugguide websites and other avenues. Thanks. Wish I had other pictures of this one but was only able to get this one when it flew away.
I think it might be a Phyciodes sp. and I would start with Phyciodes cocyta and Phyciodes tharos and the one between the 2 species ;-)...
http://bugguide.net/node/view/462350/bgp...
http://bugguide.net/node/view/25729/bgpa...
http://bugguide.net/node/view/221/bgpage...
Unfortunately I have not the time to check all the possibilities at the moment. But maybe someone can help you with this one. And do not forget to check other ones!! It is not really an easy one!