Nationally scarce (Nb) on heathland and in woodland in parts of the British Isles. In Hampshire rather frequent on the coast, but very local inland except on the New Forest heaths. There have been no recent records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 17-18mm. An easily-recognised species with strongly contrasted black-and-white pattern and prominent discal blotch [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses and lichens, often on tree trunks.
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