Common on woodland edges and roadside verges and in rough grassland, hedgerows and gardens throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 14-18 mm. Although extremely variable, this species can usually be distinguished from its near relatives by the strong indentation or lacuna in the median fascia above the middle, and in dark forms this indentation tends to become obscure but is seldom totally obliterated [Bradley]. Larva polyphagous on numerous herbaceous, and some woody, plants, living within a spun or rolled leaf.