Local on sea cliffs, saltmarshes, shingle beaches and gardens throughout much of the British Isles, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire common on the coast amongst sea-thrift, but has also become well-established in gardens where this plant is grown. On the Isle of Wight, largely restricted to the extreme south-western corner of the Island. Wingspan 12-15 mm. The largest of the British Lobesia species, it is distinguished by its comparatively narrow forewing with a normally well-defined median fascia and with the subbasal fascia forming a strong subquadrate blotch on the dorsum [Bradley]. Larva feeds on flowers and seedheads of Thrift.