It is found in the United States, where it has been recorded from North Dakota southwest through Oregon to California and south to Colorado.

The habitat consists of mountain meadows, forest openings and exposed rocky ridges.

The wings are bright to dull orange brown with dark markings.

The larvae feed on the leaves of Viola species, including V. adunca, V. nuttallii, V. purpurea, and V.

[2] S. e. atossa and S. e. clemencei are now treated as subspecies of Speyeria adiaste.