Identification: Texan Crescent Butterflies (Anthanassa texana) are recognized by the indented outer edge of the forewing. The upper wing surfaces are black with white spots towards the edge and black with orange near the body. The hindwing has a median band of white spots. Females show less orange.
Taxonomy: Family: Brush-footed Butterflies (Nymphalidae); Subfamily: True Brushfoots (Nymphalinae). Formerly Phyciodes texana.
Preferred Habitat: Deserts and riparian areas from Central America northward to southern California, southern Nevada, and east to
the Carolinas; scattered observations up through the Great Plains. |