Species Page: Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta)

Family: Nymphalidae

Status: Rare resident

NENHP Ranking: S1 Tier 2

Range: The Mylitta Crescent inhabits an area from southern British Columbia south into Mexico, ranging east to western Montana and Wyoming, southwestern Colorado and most of New Mexico. In Nebraska it has been found in the Pine Ridge area.

Larval Hostplant(s): Various thistles (Cirsium species) are the primary host plants.

Broods/Flight Times: Farther west in its home range this species flies all summer in multiple broods. Nebraska records are from mid-June to mid-July and mid September into October

Overwintering: As partially grown larvae.

Habitat: They are reported to prefer weedy areas and stream sides.

Avg. Wingspan: 1 1/8 – 1 1/2 inches

Found at: Chadron SP, Gilbert-Baker SWMA, Wildcat Hills SRAA

Similar Species: Other Crescents

Notes: A slightly worn male was collected 2 miles west of Kearney on 28 September 1987 by Douglas Beazer. Its identity was confirmed by Ray Stanford, and it is housed in the Monte Bean Museum of Brigham Young University at Provo Utah. Mr. Stanford reports that this species is drifting east into the plains of Colorado and Wyoming, so the species may become more common in western areas in the future.