Spialia rosae has been recognised as a separate species from the Red-underwing Skipper (S. sertorius) and is endemic to mountains of Spain based on differences in ecology and evidence from molecular studies (mitochondrial DNA, chemical profiles) (Hernández-Roldán et al. 2016, 2018). The species has already been included in Fauna Europaea (2018).

Spialia rosae is endemic to Europe where it occurs only in Spain and Portugal. Although this is a range restricted species, this species is listed as Least Concern as it has been evaluated against all the IUCN criteria and does not meet any category of threat.

This species is endemic to the European region where it is currently known only from Portugal (not mapped) and Spain. In Portugal, the butterfly has been recently found in the Douro river valley and at Serra da Estrela. In Spain, it occurs in the main mountain systems: the Sierra Nevada and La Sagra (Betic (Baetic) Mountains), the Iberian Mountain System, the Cantabrian Mountains, the Central Mountain System and the Pyrenees (Hernández-Roldán et al. 2016, 2018), but also in the Ebro Valley (Monasterio Léon et al. 2017). It is found at altitudes between 470 and 2,300 m.

This is a local species, restricted to (semi-) natural habitats.

In Spain, the species occurs in a range of woodland types, including pine (Pinus spp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and Holly Oak (Quercus ilex) at altitudes ranging from 470 m (Navarra, N Spain) to 2,500 m (Sierra Nevada, SE Spain). The larvae feed on a range of roses including Rosa agrestis, R. canina, R. corymbifera, R. elliptica, R. micrantha, R. pendulina, R. pouzinii, R. sicula, R. squarrosa, R. tomentosa. Hybrids amongst these or among these and other Rosa species are also utilised. In Portugal, the butterfly has been observed laying on R. canina (Marabuto 2022).

Eggs are laid on the leaves of roses and larvae emerge after four or five days. The larvae feed on leaves and build shelters in which they also pupate. The pupal stage lasts for 20–22 days, after which the adults emerge, in one generation at high altitudes during July–August or in two generations at medium altitudes during May–June and July–August. Detailed habitat descriptions are not available.

This species is not believed to face major threats at the European level.

All butterflies are collected to some extent, but only for the extremely rare species can it be a problem and the trade in Europe is generally at a low level compared to other continents. There is no specific trade information for this species.

This species occurs in a number of protected areas across its range. No specific conservation actions are needed at the European level, although populations should be monitored by a butterfly monitoring scheme.