Local in gardens, parks and orchards throughout much of Britain, but not in northern Scotland. In Hampshire generally widespread, but perhaps over-looked in some areas. There have been no recent records from the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 15-19 mm. The distinctive coloration and pattern of the forewing, especially the well-developed ocellus and the sharply defined costal strigulae in the apical half which are bordered dorsad by ferruginous-orange, are characteristic [Bradley]. Larva feeds within bark of fruit trees.