[1][2] It is found in boreal North America, ranging from Alaska to Labrador, south to New Mexico and Arizona in the Rocky Mountains and to North Carolina in the Appalachian Mountains.

The habitat consists of riparian areas and mixed hardwood-conifer forests at middle to high elevations.

Adults are on wing from late May until early August in one generation per year.

The larvae feed on various plants, including Salix, Alnus and Betula species.

[3][4] This species was formerly a member of the genus Platarctia, but was moved to Arctia along with the other species of the genera Acerbia, Pararctia, Parasemia, Platarctia, and Platyprepia.