It is found in western Texas and Carlsbad Caverns National Park in Eddy County, New Mexico.

The forewings are completely suffused with dark ash black, and the hindwings are contrastingly pale.

The orbicular and reniform spots on the underside range from prominent to obscure, and the color may be pale gray, yellow, or dirty white, filled with dark gray, or black.

The scientific name satana comes from the Marvel comic book fictional character Satana, a child of Satan and sinister character, who taught black magic.

The name refers to the black (often equated with evil) color of the adult moth.