Small, with elongated forewings. Upperside yellow with black markings, female with more extensive black than male. White form very rare. Underside of forewing with orange or yellow patch at base of wing and black spots at outer wing edge. Winter form has dusty green hindwing, summer form hindwing is pale yellow.
Females lay eggs singly on leaves of host plant seedlings.
Adults rest with wings closed and held perpendicular to the sun's rays to warm themselves. Throughout the year in peninsular Florida and South Texas. After overwintering as adults in the South, some migrate north in spring and summer. Flight of about 6 months in the north. Nectars at Labrador tea, asters, wild marigold, rabbitbrush, and others.