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Phaon Crescent

The Phaon Crescent (Phyciodes phaon) is a common crescent that frequents moist open areas across the south. It resembles the Pearl Crescent that is found in the same areas, but differs by the more checkered fringe on the wings. Forewing is dark orange and black with a pale cream median band. It has a thin body with no tails.

It is found from coastal North Carolina through the southern parts of the Gulf states to southern Texas, and sometimes westward to southern California. Also inhabits Guatemala north through Cuba and Mexico. It is an occasional visitor to eastern Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. It tends to prefer roadsides, dunes and areas with minimal vegetation.

Wing spread: 0.75" - 1.5"

Host plants: Frogfruit and mat grass

Phaon Crescent Life Cycle Stages and Times

Stage Typical Duration
Egg stage 4 to 10 days
Caterpillar (larval) stage 3 weeks
Chrysalis (pupal) stage 5 to 12 days
Adult butterfly stage 4 to 00 days

 

Phaon Crescent Butterfly
Phaon Crescent Butterfly