It is found in northernmost Scandinavia, North America (in northeastern Alaska and northern Canada) and in Greenland.

Similar to the preceding species [ freija], but more variable, the hindwing beneath more variegated, the black median band of the forewing above heavy, deep black, deeply sinuous proximally.

On the hindwing beneath the ground is marked with mother-of-pearl in the basal area and the narrow band which separates the central from the marginal area bears silvery teeth.

Butterflies that live in the mountain tundra usually stay near rocky areas.

Caterpillar food plants: Dryas octopetala ,'Vaccínium myrtíllus, Vaccínium uliginósum and Vaccinium sp.