It can be found in moist grasslands, open forests, and urban parks and gardens in shaded areas where grasses grow.

[1][2][4][5] D. compacta adults are brown above and orange-brown below with white or cream-coloured markings on the wings and a wingspan of approximately 23 mm (0.91 in).

[2][4] First instar larvae are yellowish, becoming green as they feed, with a large, shiny black head and dark red prothoracic plate.

[2][4] Pupae are cylindrical, brown in colour, measuring 12–15 mm (0.47–0.59 in) long, and covered with a white powder.

Eggs are usually laid singly, rarely in pairs or short rows, on the leaves of the host plant or on leaf litter.

Growth is slow through winter, but accelerates in spring, with the larvae beginning to pupate in late December and emerging in January and February.