Hodges#4481

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phyciodes tharos: /faɪˈsaɪ.oʊdiːz ˈθæroʊs/

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Summary

Phyciodes tharos, known as the pearl crescent, is a common butterfly in North America, widely distributed and inhabits open areas. It is recognized by its orange wings with black markings and plays an important role in pollination.

Physical Characteristics

Wingspan of 21 to 34 mm, orange upper side with black borders, black antenna knobs in males, dark marginal patch on the underside of hindwing containing a light-colored crescent.

Identification Tips

Males usually have black antenna knobs, variable patterns on the wings; recognizable by the orange color and crescent-shaped markings on the hindwings.

Habitat

Open areas such as pastures, road edges, vacant lots, fields, open pine woods, more restricted to streamsides in the western regions.

Distribution

Found throughout the United States except for the west coast, and throughout Mexico and parts of southern Canada, particularly Ontario.

Diet

Adults feed on nectar from various flowers including dogbane, swamp milkweed, shepherd's needle, asters, and winter cress. Larvae feed on leaves of aster species (family Asteraceae).

Life Cycle

Completes several broods throughout the year, from April to November in the northern regions, and continuously throughout the year in the deep south and Mexico.

Reproduction

Eggs are laid in small batches on the underside of host plant leaves (asters).

Ecosystem Role

Pollinator in various ecosystems due to its nectar feeding habits.

Evolution

Hybridization with other Phyciodes species has been studied to investigate genetic compatibility and phenotypic variation.

Similar Taxa

• Phyciodes batesii
• Phyciodes cocyta

Tags

• butterfly
• Lepidoptera
• Nymphalidae
• North America