Painted Crescent
Phyciodes picta (W. H. Edwards, 1865)
Family: Nymphalidae
Status: Uncommon local resident
NENHP Rank: S2 Tier 2
Range: This species can be found from southwestern Nebraska, western Kansas and eastern Colorado south into Mexico and west into eastern Arizona. In Nebraska it is southwestern in distribution and has been found as far north as Dawes County and as far east as Furnas County.
Larval Hostplant(s): Native asters but also an invasive exotic, Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis).
Broods/Flight Times: The Painted Crescent flies in two broods. In Nebraska there are records are from May 30 – September 6, with flights peaking in June and late August.
Overwintering: As a third instar larvae.
Habitat: Most recent records are from loess hills habitats.
Avg. Wingspan: 1 – 1 1/2 inches
Found at: Wapiti and Box Elder SWMAs
Similar Species: Other Crescents.
Notes: Most often found in colonies, rarely as individuals.
Painted Crescent, Wapiti SWMA, J. Nikkila
