Common in gardens, hedgerows, scrub and saltmarshes, and on roadside verges throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 20-24 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on such plants as Ragwort, Mugwort, Sea Wormwood, Burnet-saxifrage, Knapweed, Scabious, Hemp-agrimony, Yarrow, Traveller's-joy, Goldenrod and Wild Angelica, over-wintering as a pupa.
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