It is found in the southern and midwestern United States, from Ohio south to Florida[verification needed] and west to Texas and Oklahoma.

The forewings are grayish brown above, with a clearly marked irregular black line running from the leading to the trailing edge both inwards and outwards of each wing's center.

The upperside of the hindwings is mainly yellowish orange, with a few dark hairs at the base and a blackish pattern.

The latter usually forms two roughly concentric bands, an inner one curving through the mid-wing from the leading to the trailing edge, and an outer one that almost reaches the termen.

The apex is outside the outer band and forms a large bright orange-yellow spot; likewise, the outer band does not reach the tornus, which bears a separate black spot.