The pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) is one of the most widespread butterflies in ...

May 17, 2020

The pearl crescent butterfly (Phyciodes tharos) is one of the most widespread butterflies in North America. It can be found everywhere in the U.S. except for the west coast, and it can also be found throughout Mexico and in southern Canada. These little butterflies like to spend their time in open areas and can often be spotted in pastures, fields, open pine woods, and road edges. In the northern part of their range, they can usually be found from April through November, and they can be found year-round in the southern U.S. and Mexico.

These butterflies tend to visit a wide variety of flowers; they aren't too picky, so keep an eye peeled when you're in your garden. Thank you to VMNH Associate Curator of Entomology Dr. Kal Ivanov for identifying this one for me! #BenInNature

NEW! If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture and we'll have our experts help you identify it!

About this post: Social distancing can be difficult, but the next few weeks present a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

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