Pearl Crescent

Phyciodes tharos

Wingspan: 1-1 1/2″. One of the most abundant Eastern butterflies. Small, but bold and territorial. Above: orange with black borders, scattered markings. Below: hindwing is yellow with brownish wavy lines; dark patch with crescent.

• Dark spiny caterpillar with yellow dots and bands.

• Larvae feed together.

Habitat: Commonly found along roadsides, woodlands, meadows, and gardens.

Larval food plants: Asters

Adult food: Dogbane, Asters, Black-eyed susans, Thistle, Coreopsis, Zinnias.