Photo by Drees. A number of subspecies are recognized, including Phyciodes tharos distincta Bauer that also occurs in Texas south to Mexico. Larvae feed on Acanthaceae. Larvae feed on a variety of Compositae including sunflowers and cocklebur.
Adults lay eggs in clusters on host plants.
Up to five generations can be produced annually. Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts. Adults have siphoning mouths. Caterpillars feed on leaves of asters and related Compositae. See also Butterfly Gardening in Texas .