Tiger Crescent
Common NameTiger Crescent
Scientific NameAnthanassa texana
FamilyNymphalidae
SubfamilyMelitaeinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Wing Patternstriped
Primary Colorsorange, black, yellow
HabitatOpen woodlands, fields, roadsides, disturbed areas, chaparral
Geographic RangeSouthern United States (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico, Central America
Host PlantsRuellia, Siphonoglossa, Dicliptera
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical areas; March to November in temperate regions
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesEggs are laid in clusters on the underside of host plant leaves. Caterpillars are spiny and gregarious, feeding on the host plant leaves before pupating into a chrysalis.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive tiger-like pattern of orange and black bands, especially the prominent orange patches on the forewings. The antennae have pale, clubbed tips.
Description
A medium-sized butterfly with a striking pattern of bright orange and yellow patches on a dark brown to black background, particularly on the forewings. The hindwings also feature orange and black banding.
