Common in open areas, roadside verges, waste ground and farmland; 0-2000 m throughout much of western Europe. Generally a rare immigrant to the UK, but occasionally appears in numbers, as in 1906 and 1945, when more than 700 were reported; since 1952, has become increasingly rare. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight a rare immigrant, with very few records in recent years. Wingspan 42-48 mm. Larva feeds on Mignonette, Hedge Mustard and Wild Radish.