Description
The Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) is a small butterfly with orange wings intricately patterned with black markings and a pale crescent-shaped spot on the hindwing underside, commonly found in fields, meadows, and along roadsides across North America. This is one of the most common butterflies in Minnesota.
Range
Statewide
Similar Species
Northern Crescent and Tawny Crescent are very similar and many times inseparable. Generally, Northerns have more open orange than the others, and have a darker crescent mark on the hindwing. Pearl has a light crescent and a black line along the middle of the hindwing above. Tawny has darker markings above and has very pale hindwing below.
Host Plants
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve), Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides), New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae), Other asters (Symphyotrichum spp.)
Flight
May through September