Description:
	Small butterfly measuring up to 1" in length. The upperside of the wings is a rusty orange color with dark fringes. The underside is a brighter orange. Caterpillars are light green with long white hairs. The chrysalis is green and cream with dark markings.
Range:
	Southeast United States
Distribution and Abundance in Florida:
	Most common in Florida during late summer and fall, though caterpillars can be found March to November.
Habitat(s):
	Coastal areas, grassy areas, open pine woods, savannah, and salt-marsh meadows.
Reproduction:
	Eggs are laid on host plant leaves.
Natural History:
	Can be seen quickly flying among low vegetation. Caterpillars prefer to feed at night and on cloudy days.
Food:
	Larval host plants include the native purple thistle (Cirsium horridulum) and occasionally climbing hempweed (Mikania scandens). Nectar host plants are flat-flowered composites (Asteraceae).
Comments:
	The only metalmark of the southeast. For more information, visit Butterflies and Moths of North America. See also the Florida Wildflower Foundation's Know Your Native Pollinators page.
Synonyms: