Great Plains Crescent
Common NameGreat Plains Crescent
Scientific NamePhyciodes cocyta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatMeadows, open woodlands, prairies, roadsides, stream banks, and damp areas
Geographic RangeCentral and northern United States, and much of Canada
Host PlantsSymphyotrichum (asters)
Flight PeriodMay to October (multiple broods)
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are spiny, dark, and feed communally, overwintering as partially grown larvae before completing development in spring.
Identification TipsKey features include its small size and intricate orange and black checkered pattern. The underside of the hindwing often displays a pale crescent mark, though this is not visible in a dorsal view. Often observed puddling in damp soil.
Description
A small butterfly with a distinctive checkered pattern of orange and black across its dorsal wings, often with a dark border.
