Various Triodia species. The only host-plant species growing within South Australia is T. pungens (resin or soft spinifex) (Poaceae), notable for its copious resin producing ability that aborigines used in the past. The larvae eat the leaves of the host-plants. The skipper is particularly partial to new growth on the host-plant, and skipper populations can briefly proliferate after fire due to host-plant regrowth, (provided the skipper populations in nearby areas have also not been destroyed by the fire). This spinifex is low growing and relatively soft and sticky to the touch, whereas other inland spinifex are large, tussocky, and more memorable for the potent pointed ends of their leaves that can quickly cripple any wayward adventurer entering into their domain.

Small, nearly hemispherical (domal) shaped, base flat circular, with 22-23 strong, faintly beaded vertical ribs, and indistinct horizontal inter-ridges. The small micropylar area on top of the egg is depressed. Pale yellow when newly laid. Laid singly on the leaves of the hostplants near its base. Eggs start to hatch after 6 days and the egg shell is eaten by the larva after its emergence.

The first instar is long cylindrical, initially pale yellow, with a large shining black head having a few long hairs, the neck (prothoracic plate) is black. After eating the empty eggshell the larva will move to near the tips of the leaves to form a small tubular shelter from two or more leaves.

New shelters are periodically constructed in the outer parts of the hostplant to fit the growing larvae, using 8-11 leaves in the final shelter utilized by the fourth and fifth instars. The shelter is narrow, long cylindrical, opening at the bottom that typifies this tribe of skippers, and the leaves are not twisted to form the shelter. Some of the leaves are eaten through at the base of the shelter to provide better larval access to the opening. The shelters are very strongly lined with silk. Larvae rest and hide from predators within the shelters during the day with their heads directed towards the base of the hostplant. The growth of the larvae is slow and the larval period has not been established but is believed to be up to 12 months and dependant on humidity and rainfall.

The final instar is about 25 mm long. The body colour is semi-translucent blue-green with a darker dorsal line, and a pale green dorsolateral line. The head is weakly elongated rectangular shaped, finely rugose, pale brown with a darker brown frontal vertical mark above the mouth and the posterior edge is also darker brown. There are some white, depressed, forward directed simple setae. The body, and particularly the anal plate on the last segment, have some tiny secondary setae. Along the body they are elongate vase shaped set on transparent simple raised bases. On the anal plate these setae are similar to those found on sister species Antipodia atralba and Herimosa albovenata, and vary from long stemmed wine-glass shapes, sometimes with a protruding button extending out from the cup, to simple elongate setae with a knobbed end.

Short cylindrical, about 18-22 mm long, semi-translucent yellowish green, brownish anteriorly and posteriorly, nearly smooth, with very sparse abdominal bristles. The posterior end tapers to a short, narrow, bluntly ended, dark brown cremaster. The head is rounded, with the head cap (operculum) being black coloured. The central part of the operculum is heavily sclerotised (very rugose) and is divided into a larger ventral part, and two smaller equal-sized dorsal parts. There are further, smaller less sclerotised areas lateral to the central part.

Pupation occurs in the final larval shelter on the hostplant, and the larva pupates head downwards, directed towards the base of the plant. The pupa is secured within the silk lined shelter by very strong hooked bristles emanating from the end of the cremaster. The pupal duration is about 12-14 days. The empty pupal case remains inside the shelter after the adult skipper emerges.

The skipper has been recorded flying throughout the year in tropical areas. Flight in the cooler southern areas of its range in Australia seems to peak during spring and again during the monsoon wet season (autumn), and is probably in response to warmth and rain with the latter promoting a blossoming of nectar plants required by the adults. In South Australia, males are the first to emerge during the spring flight.

The skipper occurs in tropical and subtropical latitude-areas where its spinifex host plants grow in adequate density. In South Australia the hostplant Triodia pungens only occurs in the Far Northwest Region of the state in the vicinity of Amata to Pipalyatjara and Iltur.

The hostplant Triodia pungens proliferates in red dune habitat where it is usually the only Triodia species to grow. Such habitat is usually open, dry woodland or heathland, where the Triodia pungens can often be the dominant species.

The hostplants are widely distributed and the skipper can be locally common when the habitat and conditions are favourable.

The main threats are from the effects of fire or extended drought. The spinifex is inedible to grazing animals and can regenerate from fire provided it is not too frequent.

None required. Burnoffs should be local so as not to destroy too large an area such that skipper populations cannot recover in fragmented habitat areas.