Graphic Crescent
Phyciodes graphica (R. Felder, 1869) / Phyciodes vesta (W. H. Edwards, 1869)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Rare stray
NENHP Ranking: Not listed
Range: The Graphic Crescent is a resident in the southern halves of New Mexico and Texas south to Central America. It strays northward on occasion, the Nebraska specimen being the northernmost record.
Larval Hostplant(s): Larvae feed on an Amaranth that is not found in the state.
Broods/Flight Times: Multiple broods fly almost all year in the southern United States.
Overwintering: Does not survive temperate winters.
Habitat: Dry prairies and woodlands, deserts in its home range. As a stray it could appear anywhere.
Avg. Wingspan: 7/8 – 1 1/2 inches
Found at:
Similar Species: Other Crescents
Notes: The only Nebraska record is reported by Leussler (1938) to be from Omaha, collected on July 14, 1912. It is curious that it has not been found in southwest Nebraska as there are numerous records from northern Kansas and eastern Colorado.
Graphic Crescent, Lincoln Co. NM, Steve Cary
