[3] At this larval stage, the moth remains underground for two to three years, feeding on the roots of native perennial grasses including speargrass (Austrostipa spp.

When females emerge from the tunnel as adults, they already possess fully developed eggs, and begin to search for a mate, flashing the vivid orange hindwings to attract the attention of patrolling males.

[3] The golden sun moth endemic to Australia, is primarily confined in south-eastern native temperate grasslands which possess a high density of wallaby grasses (e.g. Rytidosperma spp.).

[5] Historically, the golden sun moth maintained a wide and likely continuous distribution in native temperate grasslands and open grassy woodlands at the time of European settlement, occurring across areas with highly dense populations of wallaby grasses.

They were historically recorded in Victoria over vast areas surrounding Bendigo, Mansfield, Eildon, Nhill, Williamstown and Salisbury, to Bordertown in South Australia.

The golden sun moth has been known to inhabit substantially degraded grasslands, including those dominated by the introduced Chilean needlegrass (Nassella neesiana).

[citation needed] Golden sun moth populations have undergone substantial surveying and study, including through mitochondrial DNA analysis and allonym electrophoresis.

[8][9][6] Conventional management actions for the species have included measures to improve habitat quality for the golden sun-moth, via the re-establishment of native grasses, weed and biomass removal, as well as efforts to reduce their mortality rates through predator control.

The major threat to existing golden sun moth populations is the loss and degradation of grassland habitat and the subsequent changes in vegetative composition.

Predation from birds including the willie wagtail (Rhipidura leucophyrs), starling (Sturnus vulgaris), magpie lark (Grallina cyanoleuca) and welcome swallow (Hirundo neoxena), as well as predatory insects such as the robber fly (Asilidae) can contribute to adult golden sun moth mortality.