Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 45-62 mm. In the past, dark forms predominated in urban areas. Larva feeds on many different types of tree and shrub, including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Birch and Lime, and some herbaceous plants, including Mugwort and Goldenrod, 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