Found from sea level to tree-line in a great variety of habitats; often common. An early-spring species, probably single-brooded but with hints of a second generation at the lowest elevations (which might be due to staggered emergence on different slopes). Males are territorial perchers. Both sexes visit flowers, including those of Redbud early in the season and Yerba Santa later.

Common at all the Sierran West slope sites. It has clearly moved upslope onto Castle Peak during the term of this study. Males perch around waist height on vegetation along roads and trails and in clearings, and are territorial.. Both sexes visit Ceanothus and other spring flowers, but seldom at ground level. One brood in mid-spring, May-June at Washington, June-July at Donner and Castle Peak. The hosts are "hard" pines (Ponderosa, Jeffrey and Lodgepole, in our area; most common where Lodgepole is dominant).

Although this species has been divided into several subspecies, some with very small ranges, all our populations are considered subspecies windi. One of our earliest-flying species - generally only 2-3 weeks after snowmelt - and therefore very easy to miss. Although it does occur in the Coast Range near Lake Berryessa, it is unrecorded at Gates Canyon. In the Sierra it occurs at Washington, Lang Crossing, and Donner. At lower elevations (5000' and below) usually found on cool, damp north-facing cliffs with mats of Sedum, the host plant.