Wing span: 1 - 1 1/2 inches (2.5 - 3.8 cm).

Identification: Forewing is dark orange and black with a pale cream median band. Underside of hindwing is cream to yellowish; spring and fall butterflies (form marcia) have a gray hindwing.

Life history: Males patrol during daytime near the host plant. Eggs are laid in small groups on underside of host plant leaves; caterpillars eat leaves.

Flight: Many broods southern Florida; February-October in California; April-September in New Mexico.

Caterpillar hosts: Fogfruit (Lippia lanceolata) and mat grass (Lippia nodiflora) in the verbena family.

Adult food: Nectar from flowers of Lippia and composites including shepherd's needle.

Habitat: Openings in thorn forest, open areas with closely cropped plants, dunes, pastures, road edges.

Range: Guatemala north through Cuba and Mexico to southern California, east through South Texas and Florida to coastal South Carolina. Strays to eastern Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri.