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The wing upperside is typical of the genus, with rows of black spots on a rust-orange background. The hindwing underside lacks prominent pale markings. Distinguished from B. bellona, which is most similar in appearance, by the evenly-rounded forewing edge, which is angular in bellona giving a squared-off appearance. It is unclear which subspecies name best applies to Alberta populations. Layberry et al. (1998) and Bird et al. (1995) assign the name uslui, while Guppy & Shepard (2001) apply the name chermocki; Pyle (2002) reports uslui falls within the variation range of chermocki, so perhaps the use of the name chermocki is most appropriate.

The larvae are predominantly grey, with two reddish sublateral lines and spines; they overwinter in the third or fourth instar (Scott 1986). Although the recorded flight dates range from June to September, the Pacific Fritillary flies for only two- to three weeks in any given locality (Guppy & Shepard 2001).

The Pacific Fritillary is aptly named, as the core of its range is within the Pacific Northwest. It occurs from the southern Yukon (single record from Haines Junction) south to central Idaho and California (Layberry et al. l998, Scott 1986).