Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta)

OTHER NAMES: N/A
Latin Etymology: Phyciodes ("red") cocyta ("lamentation")  

Adult Northern Crescent (Phyciodes cocyta) at Saskatoon Lake, Alberta Canada - July 2024

Featured Subspecies: ?
Wingspan: 32-38cm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A widespread species whose adults feed on species such as dogbane, fleabae and white clover. As catepillars they feed on asters and can be found in various semi open habitats.

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera 
Family: Nymphalidae 
Genus: Phycoides
SUBSPECIES: P. c. arenacolor, P. c. cocyta, P. c. incognitus, P. c. pascoensis, P. c. selenis

 - Sighting Locations -

CANADA -Widespread resident
  - CHICAGO TO ALASKA ROADTRIP 2024: - Seen in Alberta

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno-canto

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Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta)

OTHER NAMES: Mylitta Crescentspot
Latin Etymology: Phyciodes ("red") mylitta (Babylonian Goddess)

 

Adult Mylitta Crescent (Phyciodes mylitta) at Roy's Redwoods, California - September 2022

Featured Subspecies: unknown
Wingspan: 26-37mm
NO UK STATUS / IUCN Red List: Not Yet Evaluated 

A small beautifully marked butterfly of Western North America, as larvae they feed on thistles. A widespread and common species that can find a home in even distubed habtat.  The fact that their larvae feed on thistles is considered particularly helpful as it helps control invasive thistle species. 

Related Species:
Order: Lepidoptera 
Family: Nymphalidae 
Genus: Phycoides
SUBSPECIES: P. m. arizonensis, P. m arida, P. m. mexicana, P. m. mylitta, P. m thebais

 - Sighting Locations -

UNITED STATES 
Range centred on the Rockies and Pacific Coast
 - CALIFORNIA 2022 TRIP: Seen at Roy's Redwoods,

Further Notes: BirdForum Opus, IUCN Red List, RSPB, Wikipedia, Xeno

-canto

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