Forewing squared off below tip. Upperside orange-red with heavy black markings.
Females lay eggs on twigs and plants other than the host violets.
Caterpillars feed on violet leaves and hibernate when in the third to fourth stage of development. Two to three broods from late April to mid-October. Plants from other families, such as verbena and dogbane, are visited less often. Due to its adaptability to disturbed habitats, the butterfly is expanding its range southward from the southeastern states. G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.