They are quick and energetic flyers and in some areas there is considerable migration. The larvae feed on nettle, false nettle, Japanese hops, elm and hackberry. The name stems from a silver 'question mark' on the underside of the hindwing. Occurs commonly from 400 to 1,500 meters on mountain slopes on both Atlantic and Pacific coasts. Frequently seen along forest edges and rivers.
Males visit wet sand at landslips and river crossings.
Frequently found with clear bird-beak markings, and occasionally seen to be chased by birds. This species is found from the southern United States to the Amazon Basin and is one of the most familiar butterflies in all central America. It is found from sea level to an altitude of 1,400 m frequenting many habitats but especially open second-growth forests where it visits flowers, dung, carrion or rotting fruit. It is considered by some to be a mimic of Philathria dido and by others of Heliconius charitonius . The larvae feed on plants of the Acanthus family, particularly Ruellia, Justicia , and Blechum .