The species was first described by Pieter Cramer in 1776, and is native to North and South America and the Caribbean.

Posterior wings with a black irregular bar arising near the external corners, and crossing them in a straight direction, meeting at the extremity of the abdomen; just above this, and almost close to it, is a very small and narrow waved black line running parallel with it, but towards the end suddenly turns off, and reaches the anterior edges.

Besides the above markings there are a number of lighter and darker shades interspersed on the different parts of the wings.

Anterior wings having a black spot near their centre shaped like a kidney bean, with a small round one at a little distance nearer the body.

Posterior having likewise a small black spot about half an inch from the base.