Common on damp grassland, fens, damp woodland, boggy heathland and gardens throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, but appears much less common than in the past, most frequent in marshy places and riversides, but also in drier grassy terrain. Wingspan male 50-58 mm, female 64-72 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on coarse grasses such as Common Reed, Reed Canary-grass and Cock's-foot.