North American Ecology (US and Canada)

Phyciodes picta is resident from the central and southern United States south to northern Mexico, and is recorded in Iowa, but possibly as strays only (Scott 1986). Habitats are dry alkaline valley bottoms, roadsides and fields. Host plants are herbaceous and mostly restricted to a few species in one genus, Convolvulus (Convolvulaceae). Eggs are laid on the host plant in clusters of about 50-100 eggs per clutch. Individuals overwinter as second-to fourth instar larvae. There are three flights each year with the approximate flight time May 15-early Sept. in Colorado, April 1-Sept. 30 in New Mexico (Scott 1986).