The hoary edge has a wingspan of 1.5 to 2 inches (3.8-5.1 cm).
It has triangular forewings that are dark brown on the upper side. It has a yellow to orange-gold band of spots in the center of its forewing on both sides.
The undersides of its hindwings are brownish-black with blackish-brown spots in the center and a frosty-white band around the edges.
The hoary edge is found in open woodlands and brushy areas with oak and pine trees and sandy soil. It is also found in meadows, gardens, and on roadsides.
The hoary edge caterpillar eats plants in the legume or Fabaceae family, especially bush clover, false indigo, and tick trefoil.
The adult eats nectar from a variety of flowers, including milkweed, dogbane, buttonbush, and Japanese honeysuckle.
The male hoary edge selects a spot on a tree or shrub 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) above the ground, perches, and waits for a female. He defends his spot from other males and gives chase if one gets too close.
The female lays one egg at a time on the underside of a leaf.
In the northern part of its range, the hoary edge produces one brood a year. In the southern part of its range, it produces two broods a year. The larvae have a black head and a green body with yellowish-orange dots.
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The hoary edge is found in New Hampshire, but it is rare.
The hoary edge is found from Minnesota east to New Hampshire and south to Texas and Florida.
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