The natural habitat is open brushy areas and tropical hammocks, often in pine woodlands.

The brightly colored larva or caterpillar feeds on cycads that contain a toxic secondary plant chemical (cycasin) that it retains in its body for life.

Birds, lizards, and other animals may attempt to prey on the larvae, pupae, and adults, but find them distasteful and learn to avoid these brightly patterned insects.

The United States population of the species was restricted to Florida, and at one time was believed to have become extirpated due to overharvesting of its host plant, the coontie palm.

In Palm Springs, Florida, the G-Star School of the Arts has been contributing to the growth of local population numbers.