Highly variable in color and number of eye-spots, between and within subspecies and even local populations; the most widespread subspecies (
C. t. inornata) varies from light buff to orange-brown to greyish-brown above, with hindwings and outer half of forewings often darker than basal part of forewings. Usually there are no upperside markings, just occasionally a single faint ring near the forewing apex. On the underside, basal half of forewing is same color as upperside, and basal half of hindwing is dark gray. Outer half of both wings is light gray, and both wings are divided by an irregular pale band. About 60 per cent of specimens have a distinct pale-bordered black spot with a silver pupil near the forewing apex. (adapted from description at CBIF; see
source for description and range of subspecies in Canada)