Extremely variable geographically. Upperside is reddish brown. Forewing has 1 submarginal eyespot, a jagged row of white spots, and the cell has 1 solid black bar and 2 separate black spots. Hackberry Butterflies fly in a fast and erratic manner, and rest upside down on tree trunks.
Males perch on tall objects in sunny areas to watch for females.
Eggs are laid in clusters, and the young caterpillars feed communally. Caterpillars overwinter in groups gathered inside dead rolled leaves. Two broods from May-October. Will take moisture at wet spots along roads and streams. G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.