It is found in the Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Asia Minor, Greece and the Middle East.

[1] It is a member of the Pyrgus malvae (grizzled skipper) species complex but separated by significant reproductive isolation mechanisms.

It is characterized by the underside of the hindwings, which is cream-coloured, thus obscuring the markings; the spots on the upperside, especially those of the forewings, are generally large and square.

[2] Adults are on wing from April to June and again from July to September in two or sometimes three generations per year.

Larvae have been recorded feeding on Rubus species.