[2] It is known as the frequently seen Pyrginae species in the northern United States by collectors and watchers alike.

It gets its name from the checkerboard pattern on its wings; the male tends to have broader bands than the female.

This butterfly flies in gardens, parks, fields, roadsides, riverbanks, lowlands and foothills throughout southern Canada and almost the entire expanse of the United States.

The eggs are small and round, about 0.5 mm in diameter, and are a pale-green color.

In southern regions this species will fly all year with multiple broods.