Antenna has alternate black and white rings. Upperside of forewing of females and most males with 2 red or yellow spots beyond the cell. In some males these spots are black. Males patrol close to the ground for receptive females.
Females lay eggs singly on almost any surface.
Caterpillars feed on leaves and occasionally flowers and fruits. Hibernate as eggs. One flight June-August. Nectar from flowers of Sedum and Asteraceae family. From New Mexico north along the Rocky Mountains and into southwest Alaska.