The Bordered Patch butterfly has a wingspan of 1.5 – 2 inches. The upperside of the forewing is black with a yellow or orange median band and 2 rows of white postmedian spots. The upperside of the hindwing is black usually with an orange or yellow median band and small white postmedian spots. The median band can vary among individuals from wide to very narrow. The larvae are also variable, but are mostly black and orange with black spikes.
In recent years this species has become almost common in this area in late September to early October after periods of southerly winds. Two adults were found in the Fontenelle Forest butterfly garden in late September 2018, and many individuals were also found in gardens in Sarpy and Douglas Counties. Look for them nectaring on asters, marigolds and butterfly bush. It occurs from Texas west to New Mexico, east to Nebraska, Kansas and Arkansas and south into Mexico.
The larva eats the leaves of sunflower, ragweed, cocklebur and other related Asteraceae.
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