Conflicting observations of host plants utilized, distinctive morphologies, and a wide range of occupied habitats have prompted investigation into several potential subspecies.

These studies support a potential need for refined taxonomies, although a larger body of data is required to make clear decisions.

[3][4] Populations of A. mormo are widely distributed throughout western North America, with peripheral colonies located in Canada and Mexico.

Populations of Apodemia mormo primarily occupy dry, arid habitats that support a high density of their larval host plant: various species of buckwheat (Eriogonum).

Dunes, sloping hillsides, grasslands and gravelly deserts have all been observed as viable environments for A. mormo habitats, indicating the species’ broad adaptability.

Wick investigated microhabitat characteristics associated with A. mormo inhabitance, and found “host plant habitat[s] with lower elevation, a southerly to southwesterly aspect, lower available soil nitrogen, a steeper slope, higher % bare ground, and higher soil pH”[6] were most often correlated with presence of A. mormo.

In the Canadian populations, specifically, human railway traffic through habitat corridors provides frequent disturbances to the soil, nurturing the growth of their larval host plant.

To similar effect, steep and unstable slopes prone to frequent erosion provide appropriate conditions for host plant prosperity.

In the British Columbian population, Eriogonum niveum, or snow buckwheat, functions as the primary host plant and food resource.

Since exposure to sunlight supports increased survival in cold habitats, laying eggs on exposed rocky surfaces could be an adaptive advantage in the Canadian populations.

From June to July, the late instar larvae feed nocturnally on the leaves of their host plants, which are various species of buckwheat, depending on the population under study.

[5][2] Pupation takes place by between July and August, with “hairy…mottled brown” pupas congregated in leaf litter underneath the host plant.

During this time, A. mormo prefer to stay near to their host plant, travelling short distances of up to 50 m. Again, there is a slight distinction between sexes, with females tending to fly farther than males.

[10][2] Below is a partial list of recognized subspecies: A. mormo populations exhibit significant morphological variation, and therefore no singular description is a perfect fit for the species.

Following emergence, A. mormo adults have a flight period of roughly thirty days, with specific timing ranging from mid-July into September.

[5][2] Low genetic diversity, small, distinctive populations, semi-isolated geographic distribution, and habitat dependence all predispose A. mormo to risk of extinction and warrant conservation efforts.

Urban development, agricultural expansion, ranching practices, and campground activities may be responsible for disturbing natural habitats and breaking them up into small patches.

While efforts to prevent such fragmentation are encouraged, Crawford emphasizes a need to conserve even small habitat zones, which may function as bridges between sub-populations.

A. mormo populations would severely suffer if these intruders successfully outcompete local Eriogonum species, given their dependency on the host plant.

This poses a significant problem for habitat maintenance, and suggests a need for regular dispersal of new Eriogonum plants as part of conservation efforts.