It is endemic to California, where it is known from only about four locations just north of the San Francisco Bay Area, including two at Point Reyes National Seashore.

Upon hatching, the caterpillars wander a short distance and spin silk pads upon which they pass the winter.

), yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia), coyote mints (Monardella spp., especially M. undulata),[3] bull thistle (Cirsium vulgare) and seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus).

Adult butterflies are typically found in areas that are sheltered from the wind, below 820 feet (250 m) elevation, and within 3 miles (4.8 km) of the coast.

Habitat loss due to residential and commercial land development has extirpated these butterflies from parts of their range and may threaten some of the remaining populations.

Measures for habitat improvement may include eradication of invasive exotics such as iceplant (Mesembryanthemum spp.)