It is native mainly to the Sonoran Desert of the southwestern United States, including southern Arizona, southwestern New Mexico, and Mexico.

[1][2] This species is sexually dimorphic, and the males are smaller and lighter in color than the females.

The forewing is gray with a marginal, median, and postmedian white band, and a central yellow or orange eyespot.

Larval host plants include littleleaf palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum), mesquite (Prosopis juliflora), and catclaw mesquite (Acacia greggii).

[3] Eggs are deposited on host plant and hatch in July, after which the caterpillars feed until pupating.