Field Crescent
Common NameField Crescent
Scientific NamePhyciodes pulchella
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)30
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsblack, orange
HabitatMeadows, open fields, forest clearings, roadsides, mountain slopes
Geographic RangeWestern North America, from Alaska and British Columbia south to California and east to the Rocky Mountains
Host PlantsAster species (Symphyotrichum spp.), especially Symphyotrichum foliaceum, Symphyotrichum spathulatum
Flight PeriodMay to September (multiple broods depending on latitude and elevation)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid singly or in small clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny and feed on aster leaves, often overwintering as partially grown caterpillars before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the dark wings with numerous orange and yellow-orange spots. The underside of the hindwing typically features a pale crescent mark, though this is not visible in a dorsal view.
Description
A small butterfly with dark brown to black wings heavily marked with irregular orange and yellow-orange spots across both forewings and hindwings.
