Pearl Crescent

Host plants

Pearl Crescent caterpillars can only develop on their larval host plants. Plant one of these natives and you can host the full life cycle in your own yard (host plant associations per the Xerces Society (opens in new tab)).

• Symphyotrichum — see Alkali Aster (same genus)
• Aster — see Bigleaf Aster (same genus)
• Aromatic Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)
• White Heath Aster (Symphyotrichum ericoides)
• Texas Aster (Symphyotrichum drummondii var. texanum)
• Michaelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum lanceolatum)
• Calico Aster (Symphyotrichum lateriflorum)
• Late Purple Aster (Symphyotrichum patens)
• Tall Aster (Symphyotrichum praealtum)
• Barrens Silky Aster (Symphyotrichum pratense)
• Small White Aster (Symphyotrichum racemosum)

How to identify it

Look for small orange butterflies with distinctive black network patterns across their wings, especially near flowering asters.

Good to know

• Males perch on low vegetation to watch for females during mating season
• Caterpillars are black with white or yellow spines
• Highly adaptable butterfly found across many North American habitats

Common questions

What do Pearl Crescent caterpillars eat?

Pearl Crescent caterpillars feed on Symphyotrichum, Aster, Symphyotrichum oblongifolium, Symphyotrichum ericoides, Symphyotrichum drummondii var. texanum, Symphyotrichum lanceolatum, Symphyotrichum lateriflorum, Symphyotrichum patens, Symphyotrichum praealtum, Symphyotrichum pratense, and Symphyotrichum racemosum. These are the larval host plants the caterpillars must have to develop, per the Xerces Society and host plant records compiled from GBIF and iNaturalist.

Where do Pearl Crescent live?

Pearl Crescent is found across TX, AL, AR, CT and 38 more states.

When are Pearl Crescent active?

Adult Pearl Crescent are typically on the wing from April through September.