Northern Crescent
Common NameNorthern Crescent
Scientific NamePhyciodes cocyta
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatMoist meadows, open woodlands, forest edges, roadsides, clearings
Geographic RangeAcross Canada and the northern United States, extending south in the Appalachians
Host Plantsasters, New England Aster
Flight PeriodMay to October
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on aster leaves. Larvae feed on the leaves, overwinter as partially grown caterpillars, and pupate in spring.
Identification TipsDistinguished by its mottled orange and black upperwing pattern and, most notably, a dark, often prominent, crescent mark on the underside of the hindwing, which helps differentiate it from similar *Phyciodes* species.
Description
A small butterfly with a vibrant checkered pattern of orange and black on its dorsal wings, and a distinctive dark crescent mark on the underside of the hindwing.
