This butterfly is most common in late summer. The flight of this species is fast and irregular, and usually occurs within one-half meter of the ground. Adults are most often encountered while they patrol open areas or as they perch with outstreched wings on exposed soil. Males seem very aggressive, and will chase after almost any object that flies past. Males may be territorial, because they usually return to the vicinity of their original perches.
Adults are quite wary and can be very difficult to approach unless they are visiting flowers.
This species is variable in size and color. Early season adults are smaller and have a lighter ventral color pattern than adults occurring later in the season. In the autumn, adults may be found that have deep pink or reddish scaling on the ventral hindwings. This form, 'rosa' is most pronounced in the females. The size of the eye-spots on the dorsal hindwings is also quite variable.