Distribution and biological peculiarities in Armenia: The species is distributed in Anatolia, Iraq, Iran, Caucasus, and Transcaucasia. Armenia is inhabited by nominate subspecies. The larval host plants are Astragalus physodes and A. vulpinus. In Armenia the species inhabits semi-deserts and mountain steppes from 1000 to 2000 m a.s.l. Being one of the earliest butterflies the species starts its flight from late March (sometimes even mid March) and the latest specimens at higher elevation are recorded in early June; the species gives one generation per annum.
Population dynamics: The species is quite uncommon within typical habitat. Recent study of its population trend shows moderate decline. There are two potential reasons, which might affect the species' population: overgrazing, since the larval host-plant is widely eaten by cattle and habitat transformation under orchards. Both causes result in decrease of host-plant's density and accordingly - have negative influence on the population. Overgrazing at the steeper slopes of the mountain steppe areas has also an effect of mechanical damage of the topsoil by hoofs of the livestock, which can speed up the process of soil erosion.
Conservation measures: The species has not been evaluated for Global and National Red Lists, however it was assessed for the European Red List with a status of Least Concern. Also the species has not been included into CITES and Bern Conventions. The species is protected in Khosrov Forest Reserve, in Lake Sevan National Park, and in Gnishik Community-managed Landscape, however some populations are still not covered by existing network. Also distribution of the species is covered by Prime Butterfly Areas (PBA): Gnisheek, Ourtsadzor, and Artanish-Shorzha. The complex measures, proposed for conservation of the species include: assessment of its conservation status for National Red Book; development of new PBAs, with further transfer of those territories into Emerald Sites; development of sustainable grazing plans and re-designing of orchards for better support of natural habitats and accordingly the their wildlife.