Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History

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Santa Barbara Field Guides - Butterflies
Lepidoptera
   Nymphalidae

     Phyciodes mylitta
     Mylitta Crescent


upperside
underside

Size: wingspread 1-1.5 in.
Recognition: Characteristic pointed nose (snout), and black and white striped antennae with orange clubs; upperside is orange with black lines and spots, creating a band pattern; females have a lighter yellow- orange band through mid-wing; underside FW is orange and HW is brownish orange with occasional white markings.
Flight period: March to September.
Hostplants: Thistles, such as Cirsium, Cardus,and Silybium species (Asteraceae) are used as hostplants for larvae of this Crescent.
Habitat: Wet and moist habitats in fields and open areas of mountains and foothills. Adults nectar frequently.
Distribution: Western portion of continental U.S.

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