The species occurs in dry, often sandy, sparsely vegetated, grassy areas that contain the larval foodplant, old-field toadflax (Linaria canadensis). These areas can include sandplains, dunes, rock outcrops, waste lots, and other dry habitats. In New York State, the species was documented in an area consisting of beaches and bluffs.

Maritime beach* A community with extremely sparse vegetation that occurs on unstable sand, gravel, or cobble ocean shores above mean high tide, where the shore is modified by storm waves and wind erosion. * probable association but not confirmed

Maritime bluff* A sparsely vegetated community that occurs on vertical exposures of unconsolidated material, such as small stone, gravel, sand, and clay, that is exposed to maritime forces, such as water, ice, or wind. * probable association but not confirmed