Texan Crescent

Spring begins early here in Tucson, and February is a good time to spot newly emerged butterflies like this Texan Crescent (Anthanassa texana or Phyciodes texana) butterfly on a Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) flower.

Texan Crescent (Anthanassa texana or Phyciodes texana) butterfly on a Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata) flower

While these butterflies are certainly not colorful, their bold, brown patterns are a nice contrast to the solid golden Desert Marigold flowers.