It is found in Arctic North America and northern Eurasia.

The forewing in the male has two black eyespots with white pupils sometimes surrounded by one or two orange rings.

The female has two large eyespots and may have smaller spots on both wings.

The ventral hindwings have greyish median bands with jagged borders.

[2] Listed alphabetically:[1] The food plants of the larvae are various grasses, including Carex species.