Upperside is black with a wide orange median band and large orange submarginal spots. Underside of hindwing has a red spot near the abdomen which blends into the median band.
Hibernation is by third-stage caterpillars.
Many broods from March-November. Desert washes and canyons. G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. Scott, J. A. 1986. The butterflies of North America.