Upperside red-brown to black, checkered with black and white spots. Hindwing often has brick-red patch on hindwing. Eggs are laid in groups of 2-4 on lower leaves of host plant, or singly on other parts of plant. Caterpillars rest during the day in shelters of leaves tied together with silk, emerging at night to feed.
Young caterpillars feed on leaves, older caterpillars eat leaves and stems.
Young caterpillars hibernate inside plant parts such as dried flower heads of Eriogonum fasciculatum . Nectar from flowers of Eriogonum and other plants. Calif. south to cen. OR Apparently secure globally, though it might be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery. All subspecies are of conservation concern.