We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update presented by our friends at ...

February 7, 2021

We're reaching into the archives for today's #BenInNature update presented by our friends at Carter Bank & Trust! The following post was originally published on 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!

ABOUT #BenInNature
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. In this series of posts, Administrator of Science Ben Williams ventures outdoors to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world. New updates are posted Monday - Friday, with previous posts highlighted on the weekends. This series of posts is made possible thanks to the support of VMNH Corporate Partner Carter Bank & Trust (www.cbtcares.com)

NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS
If you discover something in nature that you would like help identifying, be sure to message us right here on Facebook with a picture (please include location and date of picture) and we'll have our experts help you identify it!