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Phaon Crescent
Phyciodes phaon (W.H. Edwards, 1864)
Attributes of Phyciodes phaonFamily: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae) Identification: Forewing is dark orange and black with a pale cream median band. Underside of hindwing is cream to yellowish; spring and fall butterflies (form marcia) have a gray hindwing. Life history: Males patrol during daytime near the host plant. Eggs are laid in small groups on underside of host plant leaves; caterpillars eat leaves. Flight: Many broods southern Florida; February-October in California; April-September in New Mexico. Wing span: 1 - 1 1/2 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Fogfruit (Lippia lanceolata) and mat grass (Lippia nodiflora) in the verbena family. Adult food: Nectar from flowers of Lippia and composites including shepherd's needle. Habitat: Openings in thorn forest, open areas with closely cropped plants, dunes, pastures, road edges. Range: Guatemala north through Cuba and Mexico to southern California, east through South Texas and Florida to coastal South Carolina. Strays to eastern Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. Conservation: Not usually required. NatureServe Global Status: G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Management needs: None reported. | Documented Records for Phyciodes phaon
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