The wingspan is about 1 inch. This is the only group of butterflies which feed on the forage and turf grasses. They form a black-brown pupa in leaves and soil that may be wrapped with silk. The adult butterfly emerges in about 10 days. Caterpillar numbers are greatest in mid-July.
Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts.
Adults have siphoning mouths. They will also feed on St. Augustinegrass. Caterpillars construct silken shelters by tying leaves together about midway up the host plant. Heavy infestations are often very localized. When their food plants are consumed, large numbers of caterpillars migrate to adjacent areas, crawling up buildings and attacking lawns.