Wing undersides a mottled brown, resembling a dead leaf. Upper sides have bright orange markings and white spots near the forweing tip, on a dark brown background, as seen at lower left.  Mouthparts are extended into a long "snout." Typically sits on twigs with wings folded and antennae and snout held forward to resemble a leaf stalk, thus imitating a dead leaf. The bright colors of the upper side are normally only glimpsed in flight or when the butterfly is fanning its wings.  Caterpillar green with many white spots, feeds on hackberry.

Native from Argentina north to the sourthern United States. Adults often migrate in large numbers. Prefers woodland edges.

In flight easily confused with the many other orange mrarked butterflies out there. At rest easily confused with a dead leaf. If observed closeup, however, the long snout will provide identification.