Common in rough grassland, woodland, waste ground, fens, marshes and gardens throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common, possibly increasing. Wingspan 32-42 mm. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Lesser Burdock, Greater Burdock, Foxglove, Creeping Thistle, Musk Thistle and Spear Thistle, 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