Common in grassland, woodland rides and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 32-40 mm. Confusion species include 
Smoky Wainscot M. impura, which see, and 
Mathew's Wainscot M. favicolor, which occurs only in saltmarshes from Hampshire to Suffolk. Larva feeds on various grasses, including Tufted Hair-grass, Annual Meadow-grass, Common Couch and Cock's-foot.