It is known from lowland deciduous woodland in the eastern United States but also suburban areas where lilacs (Syringa species) are planted, ranging from New York to northern Florida east to Missouri and Louisiana.

However, males will occasionally gather over moist charcoal to obtain nutrients from the charred wood prior to copulation.

The only native hosts of this moth are ash (Fraxinus) and fringe tree (Chionanthus virginicus).

However, larvae seem to have a liking for ornamental lilac (Syringa), and occasionally will feed on privet (Ligustrum).

The introduced tachinid fly poses additional threat to the beautiful caterpillars of this species.