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Mylitta Crescent
Phyciodes mylitta (W.H. Edwards, 1861)
Attributes of Phyciodes mylittaFamily: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae) Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae) Identification: Upperside is bright reddish orange with narrow dark markings. Lacks the prominent black inner marginal spot of Phyciodes pallidus. Underside is yellow-orange with somewhat blurry rusty orange markings. Life history: Males perch or patrol all day near host plants for females. Eggs are deposited on underside of host plant leaves; caterpillars eat leaves. Young caterpillars may live in a small silken nest; partially-grown caterpillars hibernate. Flight: Two broods in the north from April-September, several in the south from February-November. Wing span: 1 1/8 - 1 1/2 inches (3 - 3.8 cm). Caterpillar hosts: Native thistles (Cirsium), milk thistle (Silybum marianum), and European thistles (Carduus). Adult food: Flower nectar. Habitat: From sea level to 8000 feet in mountains, fields, meadows, roads, vacant lots, parks, and fencerows. Range: Southern British Columbia southeast through the Rocky Mountain region to Mexico; south to Washington, Oregon, and California. 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 mylitta
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