Common in chalk downland, moorland, heaths, embankments, scrub, waste ground and alpine meadows; 0-400 m (0-2000 m in Europe) throughout much of the British Isles, more numerous in the south; mainland Europe and Scandinavia. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread but generally present only in small numbers on sites such as Martin Down and Noar Hill. Wingspan 26-30 mm. Larva feeds on Bilberry, Gorse, Common Rock-rose, Dyer's Greenweed, Bird's-foot Trefoil, Dogwood and Buckthorn.