Mimic Crescent (Phyciodes incognitus)

Also known as Incognito Crescent. Formerly treated by some as a subspecies of Northern Crescent

This recently described species occurs in the mountains in NC, although its full range and abundance is still unknown. Looking very much like Pearl Crescent (P. tharos) and even more so like Northern Crescent (P. cocyta), this species can be identified from Pearl by a combination of orange on the underside of the antennal clubs in males (only), larger size (than Pearl), and flight behavior of flying higher off the ground and even up into the subcanopy. Females are mostly identified by association with known males and may appear larger than Pearl Crescent. Individuals noted below as female are presumed females. Other field marks are described in the original publication for this species (see below). Mimic Crescent is two-brooded in NC with the first brood in May/June and the second in Aug/Sep.

For a copy of Ron Gatrelle's original publication describing this species, go to http://www.tils-ttr.org, follow the link to the library, and go to Vol. 4 No. 8 of the Taxonomic Report of The International Lepidoptera Survey. The paper can be downloaded as a pdf file. Additional thanks to Ron for confirming ID of these photographs!