Post by trehopr1 on Jan 25, 2021 1:09:34 GMT -8
Our native Pearl Crescent (Phyciodes tharos) is one of
the most common and/or ubiquitous butterflies of fields,
pastures, road edges, and vacant lots throughout most of
the United States (except the west coast).
Its range extends south throughout Mexico and northward
into southern Canada. It is variable in shades/markings and
unlike most butterflies it shows little or no "fear" or "flight"
desires due to intruders in its realm.
I have many times walked amongst Crescents often looking for
other butterflies I've spotted or whilst taking a breather in the
"heat of the day"; and yet all these fellows just go about their
business of pollinating, imbibing salt nutrients, or looking for mates.
They just fly about me and around me - lighting on my pants, net,
or sweaty arm unconcerned...
I like the species for its commonality and the lively "air" it gives
to any wild spaces you might find yourself in.
Typically, in the upper Midwest states the 1st (gen.) emerges in mid-May
with seemingly just a smattering of individuals to be seen. However, later
successive broods emerge in far greater numbers until late Sept/early Oct.
I have at times easily seen several hundreds in the span of walking about
just a few acres. However, despite such opportunity before me I (at best)
will only take 2 or 3 (if any at all). I've only got about a dozen specimens
all told and that really just suits me when it comes to this species !
Below, is a sampling of some of my captures.
the most common and/or ubiquitous butterflies of fields,
pastures, road edges, and vacant lots throughout most of
the United States (except the west coast).
Its range extends south throughout Mexico and northward
into southern Canada. It is variable in shades/markings and
unlike most butterflies it shows little or no "fear" or "flight"
desires due to intruders in its realm.
I have many times walked amongst Crescents often looking for
other butterflies I've spotted or whilst taking a breather in the
"heat of the day"; and yet all these fellows just go about their
business of pollinating, imbibing salt nutrients, or looking for mates.
They just fly about me and around me - lighting on my pants, net,
or sweaty arm unconcerned...
I like the species for its commonality and the lively "air" it gives
to any wild spaces you might find yourself in.
Typically, in the upper Midwest states the 1st (gen.) emerges in mid-May
with seemingly just a smattering of individuals to be seen. However, later
successive broods emerge in far greater numbers until late Sept/early Oct.
I have at times easily seen several hundreds in the span of walking about
just a few acres. However, despite such opportunity before me I (at best)
will only take 2 or 3 (if any at all). I've only got about a dozen specimens
all told and that really just suits me when it comes to this species !
Below, is a sampling of some of my captures.
