Local on meadows and waste ground throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread but local amongst similar but commoner species which fly with it over the foodplants on sunny afternoons during the summer. Wingspan 10-15 mm. The attenuate shape of the forewing and its dark purplish brown coloration and the sharply demarcated dark grey apices of the cilia are characteristic [Bradley]. Larva feeds within roots of Ox-eye Daisy and Tansy.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records Very occasional Irregular Uncommon Off-peak, but not unusual Off-peak, but not unusual Main flight time