A medium-sized butterfly common in southern Europe and as far as Central Asia. In Israel it is common in the Judean and Samarian mountains, in the Galilee and on Mount Hermon from April to November. It is a territorial butterfly that drives other males away from its territory. Its wingspan is about 50 mm. It produces several generations a year. The butterfly's wings are serrated, hence its Hebrew name. The male is darker than the female. Apparently, the adult is the one that undergoes diapause during the winter, in a sheltered place.
It is found mainly in wall and old-house areas where the Ceterach grows, which is the host plant and on which the female lays her eggs. The egg is greenish in color.
A hairy larva hatches from the egg, brown in color with a black head. As the larva grows, its color turns brown and it has black spots. Along the larva's body there are tubercles with bristles. Its color and shape blend היט well on the Ceterach plant. Its maximum size is about 35 mm. Usually, the larva pupates on the wall on which the Ceterach grows.
The pupa is brown in color and camouflaged on the wall. Its size is about 20 mm and its duration is about two weeks.