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This small to medium sized butterfly (1-1/4
to 1-1/2 inch wingspan) is overall orange with
black markings, but is highly variable in its
markings geographically and even from season to
season. The underside of the hindwings are
relatively unmarked orange-brown to mottled
gray-brown with a white crescent on the outer
margin. A number of subspecies are recognized,
including Phyciodes tharos distincta Bauer that
also occurs in Texas south to Mexico.
Caterpillars are blackish-brown with a
cream-yellow stripe down their sides and
blackish to yellowish branched spines covering
their bodies.
Life Cycle: Adults lay eggs in
clusters on host plants. Caterpillars hatching
from eggs develop through several stages
(instars) before forming a mottled grayish to
brownish, spine-covered chrysalis. Up to five
generations can be produced annually. Habitat
and Food Source: Caterpillars have chewing
mouthparts. Adults have siphoning mouths.
Caterpillars feed on leaves of asters and
related Compositae. They feed together
(gregarious) but do not spin silken webs.
(1)
Habitat: Open spaces, meadows, fields,
roadsides, streamsides.
Similar Species:
Phaon Crescent; Painted Crescent
Life cycle:
Eggs are laid in clusters on leaves of asters.
Larvae feed on aster foliage. Caterpillars are
brown with yellow bands and many branching
spines; last brood overwinters. Chrysalis is
mottled gray, yellow and brown. There are
usually several broods per season.
Range:
Yukon to Newfoundland to southern Mexico |
