[2] Trapezites eliena adults are brown above and pinkish-brown below with yellow or orange markings on the wings and a wingspan of 33–37 mm (1.3–1.5 in).

From below, the forewings each exhibit a dark brown central area to the dorsum and base of the wing with yellow markings similar to those seen above, while the hindwings each exhibit a central silver spot edged in black and four small white-centered brown postmedian spots.

Eggs are dome shaped, white or cream in colour developing irregular red bands over time, measuring approximately 1.2 mm (0.047 in) in diameter with 19-20 longitudinal ribs.

[2] Adults fly fast and close to the ground, frequently landing on rocks and foliage.

Pupation occurs inside the larval shelter, typically near the base of the host plant.