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Pearl Crescent

Phyciodes tharos

The Pearl Crescent is a beautiful butterfly with orange and black patterns on its wings. It flutters around gardens and fields, bringing joy to everyone who sees it!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Pearl Crescent is a small butterfly with a vibrant orange and black checkered pattern on its upper wings. Its most distinguishing feature is a small, pale crescent shape near the margin of its hindwings, particularly noticeable on the underside, giving it its name.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderLepidopteraFamilyNymphalidaeGenusPhyciodes
Pearl Crescent
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Pearl Crescent

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Males often perch in the same sunny spot each day, waiting for a female.

Some Pearl Crescent butterflies undertake short migratory flights to new habitats.

The unique 'pearl' spot is easiest to see on the underside of their hindwings.

Their spiky, dark caterpillars mostly feed at night, resting hidden during the day.

Special abilities

Ability

Nectar Sipper

Pearl Crescent can sip sweet flower nectar with its long, coiled proboscis, which helps it gain energy for flying and laying eggs.

Ability

Color Camouflage

Pearl Crescent has mottled orange and brown wings that help it blend perfectly with dried leaves or patchy flowers, hiding from hungry birds.

Ability

Speedy Escape

Pearl Crescent can fly quickly and erratically, using its agility to dodge predators and make swift getaways through dense vegetation.

Ability

Territory Protector

Male Pearl Crescents can fiercely guard small sunny spots, chasing away rival butterflies to attract mates.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
25-40 mm
Size
12-20 mm
Lifespan
5-10 days
Flight Speed
12 km/h
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Caterpillars munch on aster leaves, while adult butterflies enjoy sipping sweet flower nectar.

Age differences: Caterpillars primarily eat plant leaves, while adults only consume liquid nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Aster leaves (larvae)
  • Nectar from Asters
  • Nectar from Sunflowers
  • Nectar from Milkweed

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

pollinates

New England Aster

Symphyotrichum novae-angliae

Adults visit for nectar, helping the plant reproduce.

depends on

Hairy Aster

Symphyotrichum pilosum

Caterpillars munch its leaves as their primary food source.

eaten by

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata

A common bird that preys on adult butterflies.

eaten by

Flower Crab Spider

Misumena vatia

Often ambushes adult butterflies visiting flowers for nectar.

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Butterflies are gentle creatures, but it's best to watch them from a distance and not touch them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pearl Crescent's wingspan?

25-40 mm

How big is Pearl Crescent?

12-20 mm

How long does Pearl Crescent live?

5-10 days

How fast can Pearl Crescent fly?

12 km/h

What does Pearl Crescent eat?

Caterpillars munch on aster leaves, while adult butterflies enjoy sipping sweet flower nectar.

Where is Pearl Crescent usually found?

Grasslands

How does Pearl Crescent hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Pearl Crescent have?

6

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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