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This species is variable and sexually dimorphic with females being considerably larger and usually darker overall. In the forewing of typical specimens the basal patch is filled with black in the lower half and surrounded by orange or orange and yellow shading. The median band is dark brown to brownish orange with a straight inner margin, except for a small rounded indentation above the middle in some specimens. The outer margin of the median band varies from nearly straight to bumpy. A brownish triangle or polygon is present on the costa near the apex and continues as an interrupted line towards the anal angle. The outermost part of the forewing is typically yellow and in most males this yellow continues through much of the rest of the wing. The hindwing is light to dark grey with a pale yellow apex. The larva is green and unmarked (Chapman & Lienk 1971).

This species hibernates as a pupa inside a folded leaf on the ground. Eggs are laid on tree trunks, branches or foliage. The larva starts out creating a small silk shelter where it skeletonizes the underside of the leaf along the midvein. Later instars silk together two leaves, or a leaf to a fruit. (Chapman & Lienk 1971)