The wingspan is 40–50 mm (1.6–2.0 in), with the female being slightly larger than the male, but otherwise similar in pattern and colour.

The rest of the surface of the wings are usually orange with black spots, however paler varieties with a greyish or yellowish base colour are also found.

In contrast, the non-hilltopping individuals are observed to give more time patrolling.

[4] A. encedon is a very variable and widely distributed species and appears in many forms but with no definite local races.

The agreement in colour and markings between the forms of Acraea encedon and those of the much larger Danaus chrysippus and D. dorippus is very remarkable.

It is a member of the Acraea encedon species group, but see also Pierre & Bernaud, 2014[6]