Tawny Crescent
Common NameTawny Crescent
Scientific NamePhyciodes batesii
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyNymphalinae
Wingspan (mm)35
Wing Patternspotted
Primary Colorsorange, black
HabitatOpen woodlands, forest edges, clearings, meadows, powerline cuts
Geographic RangeEastern North America, from southern Canada to the northeastern United States
Host PlantsAster umbellatus, Aster puniceus
Flight PeriodLate May to early July
Flight Styledarting
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on host plant leaves. Larvae are dark with spines and feed communally, overwintering as partially grown larvae before pupating in spring.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive tawny orange and black checkered pattern, particularly the broad orange band on the forewing and the row of orange spots on the hindwing upperside. The underside (not visible here) would show a row of black spots within orange crescents.
Description
This small butterfly displays a striking pattern of tawny orange and black patches across its wings, with a broad orange band on the forewing and a row of orange spots on the hindwing, all outlined in black.
