Butterflies and Moths of North America

collecting and sharing data about Lepidoptera

Tulcis Crescent or Pale-banded Crescent
Anthanassa tulcis (H.W. Bates, 1864)


Family: Nymphalidae
Subfamily: Nymphalinae
Identification: Outer margin of forewing is only slightly indented. Upperside is black with white markings; hindwing with wide white median band.
Wing Span: 1 1/4 - 1 3/8 inches (3.2 - 3.5 cm).
Life History: Eggs are laid in batches on underside of host plant leaves; caterpillars feed at night in groups.
Flight: May-November in South Texas.
Caterpillar Hosts: Dicliptera species in the acanthus family.
Adult Food: Flower nectar.
Habitat: Second growth and open fields.
Range: Argentina north through Central America and Mexico to South Texas; strays to west Texas and southern Arizona.
Conservation: Populations in Texas' lower Rio Grande Valley, especially at Sabal Palm Santuary, should be conserved.
NCGR: G4 - Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.
Management Needs: Maintain caterpillar host plant habitat. Note:This species has been considered a subspecies of the Cuban Crescent by some workers in the past.
Comments: NULL
Alternate Scientific Names:
Phyciodes tulcis