The moth flies in open woodland-native grassland habitat comprising a high proportion of the grass Rytidosperma setacea (Poaceae). Present day parthenogenetic moth colonies prefer small host tussocks that are lightly grazed or mown, and are in active green growth, a similar requirement to S. theresa. Like S. jcaria, this moth can tolerate flying in extreme conditions and heat of 40°C, although under such conditions they usually settle on grass stems in a vertical position to minimise sun contact. Its early stages are unknown from SA, but in northwest Victoria the primary hostplant is believed to be Rytidosperma setacea (Bristly Wallaby-grass). Rytidosperma caespitosa (Common Wallaby-grass) is also usually a minor component of the habitat, and pupal exuviae have been recorded in close proximity to Austrostipa scabra (Rough Spear-grass) (Poaceae).

Interestingly, Victorian females lay eggs in small cracks in the ground proximal to the hostplants, rather than directly on the hostplants. The eggs are laid at depths to 15 mm, and up to six eggs have been noted at any oviposition site. The females walk about the ground probing small cracks with their long ovipositors until they are satisfied with the location before the egg is laid, and all the time the wings are raised and lowered rhythmically to expose the flash colours of the hindwings, (a habit also seen in S. colona). After the egg is laid, the female may then either fly to a new ground position or continue the probing walk. Females have the capacity to lay 70-120 eggs, and emerge from the pupa in a gravid condition (i.e. its full compliment of fully developed eggs). The egg is pale yellow when laid, but becomes pink about two weeks before larval eclosion. No further information has been recorded about the egg.

Parthenogenetic eggs take 24-93 days to hatch, with the majority hatching after 53 days. In a series of experiments by Douglas 2008, from 17 parthenogenetic females, 1196 eggs were obtained, of which only 21% started embryogenesis (larval development), and of these only 22% produced viable emergent larvae (4.6% of the total original eggs).

The first instar larva is purplish-pink coloured at eclosion, similar to S. 'Ignita'. It is postulated that newly eclosed larvae burrow through the soil until they find an edible root. No larvae have been reported to occur within the tussock base of the hostplant, and are therefore believed to spend their entire lives within the root zone of the host. At maturity the larvae are present within the deep parts of the root zone to 20 cm. Its colour has not been documented, but is likely to be purplish. At pupation the mature larva constructs a near vertical silk lined tunnel from the deep roots zone to just below the ground surface (10-30 mm gap), sealing off any deep lateral feeding tunnels or galleries, then pupates in the tunnel, head upwards.