Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos

One of the most common butterflies in North America. Flies in Arkansas from spring to frost. Dominates in open fields with Aster, the food plant. Can occur with the Phaon Crescent where Fogfruit (Lippia) growth overlaps with field of Aster. They are fairly easily separated (see Phaon). Can be mistaken sometimes for Checkerspots by flight and color. The size variation between male and female crescents can be impressive.

Same butterfly, much more orange later in the summer for some reason. Very common along the creek at Bell slough in this late August shot. Hanging out with Least Skippers among the Polygonum flowers..

Texan Crescent Phyciodes texana

A stray only to Arkansas, the Texan Crescent is rich and dark compared to our native species. You need not travel far into Texas to start running into these. May be more common in southwest Arkansas than we currently know.