"Old Pearly"

Pearly Crescentspot Butterfly

This butterfly was found at Lux Arbor Reserve. To a normal person, this butterfly might appear as a Monarch butterfly, a well-known orange and black butterfly species. However, it is not a Monarch, but a Pearly Crescentspot (Phyclodes tharos), nicknamed "Old Pearly" or just Pearly Crescent. It is usually about 1 1/4" wide and has zigzag patterns in orange and black on its wings. In comparison to a Monarch, it is only about a third or a quarter of the size and Monarchs have several small sections on their wings, which look more uniform than those on the Pearly Crescentspot. "Old Pearlies" are quite territorial and will attack anything that attempts to invade its territory. Pearly Crescentspots are found in meadows and other open areas around much of the United States, Mexico, and southern Canada. Pearly Crescents breed many times throughout the year, but in the north, the breeding season is between April and November. Other species that are similar to the Pearly Crescent are Northern Crescent and Tawny Crescent. 

sources:Simply Butterflies, Government of Canada