There is definatly something with the weather and storms this year, blowing several butterfly species out of their normal range. Out of all so far, this one is the farthest.
Larval host > Asters, in the Sunflower family Asteraceae
Northern Crescent
Phyciodes cocyta
I had to have an open wing shot to be sure. The underside looked so golden, with the prominent brown markings around the edge. Unlike any Sulphur, so I knew it had to be something else.. Then he opened his wings..
It was definatly a male with the orange club tips on the antennae...
That is a rare one for here, congrats! Good shots!
One more with half opened wings..
Thanks Sheila, It sure is...
Way clear of North Texas before now...
Here is the map from the bf & m of na site>
Deb - I always enjoy seeing a Crescent in my yard. Nice shots!
I am growing 5 different asters in my garden this year in hopes of attracting these beauties! According to the B&MofNA website, I only get the Pearl and Phaon Crescent butterflies here. (Though there may be more, just not listed yet.)
Their host plants are listed as Frogfruit (which is a weed in my yard) and several species of smooth-leaved true asters including Aster pilosus (a daisy-like weed here), A. texanus (a weed, also), and A. laevis (very pretty blooms). Unfortunately, I don't have any of these cultivars of aster.
Thanks Beck, I like them too. They have such color and markings...like a treasure map, lol. Wonder if he will be back today...or if he was just passing through.
You seem to have some pretty cool 'weeds' there. I would certainly take frogfruit over ragweed. However weeds are something ya pick usually, they pic you, lol!
This message was edited May 15, 2007 5:41 AM
