It is found in the northern parts of the Palearctic and Nearctic realms.

Its typical habitat is tundra, taiga, alpine meadows, stream verges and acid bogs.

[2] The males patrol along the edges of bogs and in valleys and wait for the arrival of females.

The eggs are laid singly underneath the leaves of the host plant.

In North America the larvae feed on viola species, dwarf willows (Salix) and possibly blueberries (Vaccinium)[2] while in Europe it is believed to feed on yellow wood violet (Viola biflora) and Arctic white heather (Cassiope tetragona).