A medium-sized migrating butterfly common worldwide (except in the tropical regions). In the country it is common throughout the year and everywhere. In some years it can be seen, in spring, in the Alps as it migrates northward. At this time, many individuals can be seen stopping in ornamental gardens to rest and sip nectar. Its flight is fast. Its wingspan is about 60 mm. It produces several generations a year.
The female lays the eggs on the Painted Thistle and on many other plants from the Asteraceae, Malvaceae, Urticaceae, and others. The egg is greenish in color.
The hatched larva is dark in color and hairy. For protection it folds the leaf, builds a "house", and lives inside it. The older larva has different appearances, ranging from black with yellow stripes on both sides to gray mottled with yellow, and along its body are tubercles with bristles. Its size is about 40 mm. Before pupation the larva usually leaves the plant and pupates on a stone or rock nearby.
The pupa is about 25 mm long. Its color is gray-brown, gleaming with golden spots and specks. Its duration is about two to three weeks.