Status: Breeding resident.

Distinguishing features: This familiar butterfly is yellow with black margins and black tiger-like stripes on the front edge of the forewing. Females are dimorphic, one form resembles the male with its yellow wings and black markings; the other form is melanic, where the yellow may be completely obscured by black scaling, but under close examination the tiger stripes may be seen. Some individuals appear intermediate, with the yellow scaling only partially blacked-out.

Distribution and habitat: It is common throughout the state in a wide variety of habitats. They are particularly frequent along forest edges where adequate nectaring sites occur.

Natural History: The larvae feed on a number of common trees such as ash and wild-cherry. They derive protection from predators in at least two ways. First, the dorsal part of the thorax has two large eyespots. When larvae are disturbed, they shake the front part of their body, calling attention to these spots, intimidating predators, and discouraging further attack. Second, the brightly colored two-pronged osmeterium (normally kept tucked under the mid-dorsal region of the thorax) can be made to release a brightly colored, unpleasant smelling liquid. Adult males frequently congregate at mud puddles or along stream banks.