Local in woodland, heaths and river-banks throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread, but generally less common than
A. acanthadactyla. Wingspan 18-23 mm. Confusable with
A. acanthadactyla.
A. punctidactyla has a greyish or, when fresh, dark greenish tinge, whereas
A. acanthadactyla is reddish; also,
A. punctidactyla has a lot of speckling on the basal half of the forewings,
A. acanthadactyla has very little. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of Hedge Woundwort, Common Restharrow, Spiny Restharrow and Meadow Crane's-bill.