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The upperside is charcoal-slate and unmarked. The underside is finely mottled with grey and black, the median band is not usually discernible. No eyespots. Subspecies beanii, described from Lake Louise, occurs in the Alberta mountains.

Not known in Alberta. In New Hampshire, the grey-white eggs are laid on or near the host, and larvae vary from brown-green to reddish brown with a number of longitudinal lines, and take two years to mature. Pupation takes place under moss or stones (Scott 1986). Melissa Arctics fly every year in Alberta. Males patrol rock fields and ridge tops, while females are usually found at slightly lower elevations (Bird et al 1995). This Arctic is wary and difficult to approach, males are easily flushed and often move downslope before alighting again, where the underside blends perfectly with rocks and lichens.