Local on heathland, moorland, bogs and mosses throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire locally rather frequent on the New Forest heaths, especially near recently burned ground, on which the imago rests by day; very occasional elsewhere in the county and on the Isle of Wight, where first recorded in 2001. Wingspan 31-40 mm. Larva feeds on Heather, Bell Heather and Cross-leaved Heath.
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