This species is one of many dimorphic species, the winter form marcia, which emerges in spring, having the under side brighter, and the light markings more conspicuous on that side than in the summer form, which has been called morpheus. Concerning all of this, and the way in which cold affects the color of butterflies, the reader will do well to consult the splendid pages of Edwards and of Scudder.
The pretty little Pearl Crescent ranges from southern Labrador to Florida; in fact, all over North America north of Texas and south of the region of Hudson Bay, except the Pacific coast of California.
(6) Phyciodes batesi, Reakirt, Plate XVII, Fig. 35, ♂; Fig. 36, ♁, under side (Bates' Crescent-spot).
Butterfly, ♂.—On the upper side much like P. tharos, with the black markings very heavy. The under side of the hind wings is uniformly pale fulvous or yellow, with a row of faint submarginal brown spots.
♁.—Like the male. Expanse, ♂, 1.25 inch; ♁, 1.50-1.65 inch.
Early Stages.—Unknown.
This species ranges from New York to Virginia, and westward to Ohio.
(7) Phyciodes pratensis, Behr, Plate XVII, Fig. 37, ♂; Fig. 38, ♁, under side (The Meadow Crescent-spot).
Butterfly, ♂.—The butterfly resembles the preceding species on the upper side, but the ground-color is much paler and the black markings are not so heavy. The under side of the wings is pale fulvous, spotted with yellow.