Upperside is bright yellow-orange with black borders and no stigma. Underside of hindwing is mostly yellow with a dark brown wingbase and outer margin. They appear to defend their territory and may keep a perch for up to a week.
Courtship usually occurs in the afternoon.
Females lay eggs singly under the host leaves. Caterpillars feed on leaves and make shelters of silk-tied leaves. Brushy openings near moist forests and streams. Strays to New Mexico, South Dakota, and southern Quebec. A separate population ranges from central Mexico south to Panama.