- The first, nominate form is characterized by many red dots scattered across all of the wings, including on top of the brown crossband, leading up to the transverse band near the wingtip. These dots can be large and are a brighter red; there are typically numerous spots, in some individuals the speckling can be quite dense. Crossband #1 is a brilliant red and crossband #3 is more smoky than black; the second crossband is orange and quite distinct. The posterior margin of crossband 1 projects toward the wing tips, extending outwards past the dark spot near the claval suture of each wing.

- Form 'distincta' has the red dots restricted largely to the base of the wings, before and across crossband #1; the rest of the wing is mostly white with a small number of dots. Crossband #1 tends to be very broad, characteristic of this species (though there are exceptions). More importantly, the posterior margin of the crossband extends essentially straight across the wing from the costal margin to the black dot; it does not project past the black spot. Crossband #2 is obsolete; it is not present. Crossband #3 is typically absent, but if present it is indistinct. There is also a dusky transverse band between crossband 3, across the apex of the wing.

Adults are 3.3-3.6 mm long. (Fairbairn, 1928) For more pics of this species, see: BG.

H. anthisma could be confused with H. balteata. The nominate form of balteata resembles form 'distincta' of H. anthisma, as both have a similar color pattern, especially with the lack of crossband #2 and relatively low reddish wing speckling. However, the best way to distinguish the two is by looking at crossband #1. In balteata, the posterior margin of crossband 1 projects toward the rear of the wings, noticeably extending past the black spot on the claval suture of each wing. In anthisma var. 'distincta', the posterior margin of the crossband extends essentially straight across the wing from the costal margin to the black dot; it does not project past the black spot. Additionally, crossband#1 is noticeably broader (and straighter) than in balteata, with a fairly straight lower margin of the band that contrasts with the somewhat jagged lower margin in balteata.

- Form 'mediana' of balteata also resembles the nominate form of H. anthisma. In anthisma, crossband #1 is a brilliant red and crossband #3 is more smoky than black; in 'mediana' crossband #1 is a dark red to faded brown, and crossband #3 is dusky to black. Additionally, 'mediana' is supposed to have darker red dots than anthisma. However, anthisma has larger, brighter red, and more numerous spots; in some individuals, the speckling can be quite dense.

(Fairbairn, 1928)