Pallid Crescent

(Phyciodes pallida)
True Brushfoots

Appearance: Antenna clubs orange. Above, mostly pale orange with subdued black markings, and a noticeable black spot on the lower edge of the forewing. Below, hindwing variable, usually mottled yellowish tan and white. Can be confused with the Mylitta Crescent which averages a bit smaller and usually does not appear north of the Palmer Divide along the front range.

Wingspan: Small; 1 3/8 to 1 5/8 inches.

Habitat: Streamsides, gullies, hillsides, ridges, dry fields; foothills, montane.

Flight Times: April to June; one brood.  Chrysalis overwinters.

Larval Foodplant: Thistles

Did You Know…
Males perch near streams, gullies and paths looking for females. Adults nectar on yellow composites (Opler, 1999).