Pearl Crescent
(Phyciodes tharos)

Pearl Crescents are common from May through September. The intensity of the orange in the the forewing varies throughout the season, sometimes appearing almost yellow. These small butterflies are attracted to a wide variety of flowering plants and can be seen in most habitats where nectar sources are available. Note the small crescent white marking in the black border of the folded hindwing. The mating pair is on an aster, which has been reported to be a host plant for this species. In the Fall the hingwing often has grey mottling as seen in the photo of the mating pair.