Pearl Crescent butterflies mating – 7/13/11

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 7/13/11

Observation Time: 2:00 p.m.

Observation Location: Gavins Pond soccer field parking lot

Common Name: Pearl Crescent butterflies

Scientific Name: Phyciodes tharos

Comments: Here is a sequence of four photos, taken over a span of just a few minutes, of a pair of Pearl Crescent butterflies mating near the Gavins Pond soccer field parking lot.

I was walking on my way to get the stream gauge reading at the Gavins Pond dam when I first spotted them flying erratically. The smaller male was pursuing the bigger female. When they alit, I got out my camera, approached quietly, and started shooting.

More Information: Wikipedia