A rather rare and local species throughout Belgium. In some areas in the province of Antwerp in certain years, the species is abundant. Formerly more widespread. Vulnerable.

The larva lives on Erica calluna, Erica tetralix and Genista anglica. The larva is attented by different species of ants as Lasius niger and Lasius alienus.

The adults fly normally in one generations a year: from mid June till end of August. In favourable years a second generation occurs from end of August till mid October.