Where’s Wildlife · Butterfly Field Guide
Phyciodes tharos
Pronounced (approx.): FY-see-oh-deez THAR-ohs
This small orange-and-black butterfly rewards a close look: its name comes from a pale crescent on the hindwing underside.
Select the photograph to browse all five field photographs.
NATIVE TO NORTH AMERICA
Above: Orange wings have black borders and a network of finer dark markings. Patterns vary between individuals. [1]
Below: Look near the outer edge of the hindwing for a pale crescent within a darker patch. [1]
Similar species: Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta) can be difficult to separate. Compare several features, including both wing surfaces; one marking alone may be misleading. [2]
Compare wing patterns in these five field photographs. Select any image to open the full gallery.
Females place clusters of eggs beneath aster leaves. Caterpillars feed together, and late-season larvae overwinter before completing development. [2]
The caterpillars’ aster hosts are different from the wider variety of flowers adults visit for nectar. Milkweed and goldenrod flower visits do not make those plants caterpillar hosts. [2]
Adults visit flowers and may gather at puddles or other damp places. Males patrol in search of females. [1] [2]
Pearl Crescent is considered non-migratory. The number and timing of generations vary by region, so local observations are more useful than one fixed flight season for its entire range. [2]
Explore reported Pearl Crescent sightings. Observation records show where people have documented butterflies and are not a complete range map.
[1] Missouri Department of Conservation — Pearl Crescent
Wing markings, habitat, and adult behavior.
[2] Montana Natural Heritage Program — Pearl Crescent
Aster hosts, life history, seasonal activity, and similar species, with supporting literature.