Pearl Crescent
Phyciodes tharos
Wing span: 1 1/4 to 1 3/4 inches

The upper wings of this small orange butterfly have an intricate network of black markings as well as black margins. A dark area on the trailing edge of the lower hind wing surrounds a pale crescent.

Flying or gliding low across open pastures, fields or power line cuts, the Pearl Crescent nectars on dogbane, milkweed, aster flowers.

Asters (Asteracae) are the host plants for the Pearl Crescent caterpillar. Easily confused with the Silvery Checkerspot.