Local in woodland, scrub, hedgerows and fens throughout England and south Wales; widespread and common throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 31-40 mm. Characterised by combination of broad cross-band, projecting sharply at distal edge, near to the costa, and broadly scalloped outer edge to forewing and, especially, hindwing. Larva feeds on Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn, over-wintering as an egg.
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