Wing span: 3.1 to 4.0 cm.

Flight time: Adults begin arriving in Iowa from mid-June to mid-July, and found overlapping broods that fly from late-July to frost.

Status: Early-mid summer southern stray; late season resident.

Distinguishing features: Wings are yellow above with the apical one-third of the forewing being black. The hindwing above has a black margin. The maculation of the lower wing surface shows marked variability. Orange and white forms of females are also known.

Distribution and habitat: Frequently scattered throughout the state, with populations favoring dry, open habitats such as meadows, old fields, roadsides, and prairies.

Natural History: Like many other of Iowa's late-summer resident Pierids, little yellow larvae consume partridge pea (Cassia fasciculata). However, it is much more common in the state than other members of this genus.