Identification: Small with short hindwing projections. Forewing above is brownish-orange with dark spots; one dark spot at center of bottom edge. Hindwing above has two patterns: summer form is mostly black, winter form is orange with black spots; both have a dark border containing pale spots. Underside is brown; hindwing with a central silver or white comma which is swollen at both ends.

Flight: Overwintered adults fly and lay eggs in the spring until the end of April. The summer form emerges and flies from May-September, laying eggs that develop into the winter form. These adults appear in September or October and soon seek shelter in which to overwinter.

Wing span: 1 3/4 - 2 1/2 inches (4.5 - 6.4 cm).

Caterpillar hosts: All members of the elm and nettle families including American elm (Ulmus americana), hops (Humulus), nettle (Urtica), false nettle (Boehmeria cylindrica), and wood nettle (Laportea canadensis).

Adult food: Rotting fruit and tree sap.

Habitat: Deciduous woodlands; woods near rivers, marshes, swamps, and other water sources.

Range: Eastern half of the United States east of the Rocky Mountains from southern Canada to central Texas and the Gulf Coast.