Upperside of forewing is dark olive brown with paler brown along the costa and outer margin, a narrow tan band running from the wing tip to the base, and white streaks along the veins. Hindwing upperside is black with a reddish pink median band.
Caterpillars pupate in shallow burrows in the ground.
Massive population buildups occur which stimulate emigrations to colonize more northern areas. Two broods from February-November. Nectar from a variety of flowers including columbines, larkspurs, petunia, honeysuckle, moonvine, bouncing bet, lilac, clovers, thistles, and Jimpson weed. A wide variety of open habitats including deserts, suburbs, and gardens. Central America north through Mexico and the West Indies to most of the United States and southern Canada.