[1] This common species is widespread in most of Europe, in the Near East, in the eastern Palearctic realm (Russia, Mongolia, China), and in North Africa.

An orange colouration is present on the base of the wings, on the feet and the face.

This species is ovoviviparous, as the eggs hatch prior or within an hour after deposition.

[5] The female lays up to five eggs in a lifetime, each one in a different pat, at two-day intervals.

They feed on nectar and pollen of flowers of plants, especially Apiaceae (Heracleum and Pastinaca species),[5] or on overripe berries.