February 2, 2026

I am a Phaon Crescent

Named for an ugly, old boatman in Greek mythology
Aphrodite turned the boatman young and beautiful

With her knowledge of cosmetology.

Location: St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park

Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phaon

https://www.flawildflowers.org/know-your-native-pollinators-phaon-crescent/

Photo and text © 2026 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

October 10, 2025

We are all Phaon Crescent Butterflies

Our colors vary, but the species is immutable

Whether looking at insects, birds, or humans

Diversity makes every species beautiful.

Location: Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Phyciodes-phaon

Photo and text © 2025 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

November 3, 2024

I am known as a Phaon Crescent

I mostly live in the south

Occasionally I can be found in Nebraska

But I prefer warmer climes, no doubt!

Location: Private residence, Blountstown, FL

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/phaon_crescent.htm

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 27, 2024

We are Phaon Crescent butterflies

Fogfruit is our caterpillar host

Our wings are just pretty when they're opened

But gorgeous and look like stained glass when they're closed.

Location: Blackpoint Wildlife Drive (photo 1), Titusville and Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park (photos 2-4)

Sources: https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/phaon_crescent.htm

Photo and text © 2024 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

If you are reading and enjoying this blog, please consider supporting me on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/deeat8am, or purchase my current book, The Rhyming Guide to Florida Spiders (details at https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/p/rhyming-guide-to-florida-spiders-now.html). Thank you for being a reader and friend of Dee at 8 A.M.

April 27, 2021

I am a Phaon Crescent,

As an adult I like Sheppard's Needle nectar

I've been seen from Guatemala to Wyoming

But I spend more time in the warmer sectors.

Location: Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, Bird's Impoundment Trail

Sources: https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Phyciodes-phaon

Photo and text © 2021 Dee Fairbanks Simpson

November 30, 2020

I am a Phaon Crescent, 

I began my life on a Fogfruit plant

I look similar to a Pearl Crescent, 

But my checkered fringe is enhanced.

St. Sebastian River Preserve State Park, Fellsmere

Location: location

Sources: https://deeateightam.blogspot.com/search?q=pearl

http://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/phaon_crescent.htm

Photo and text © 2020 Dee Fairbanks Simpson