It prefers steppe areas, open bushy terrain, fallow and unimproved grasslands and parkland.

This is an easily recognisable species, mainly due to the combination of colours and its large size relative to most other pugs (wingspan 21–24 mm).

[2][3][4][5] [6] The larva is light brown with numerous, small white warts scattered throughout the body.

It has a narrow white lateral stripe and a variety of diamond-shaped brown spots along the back.

The species flies at night from early June to late August and is attracted to light.