Common on heathland, moorland, fens, sand-dunes and open woodland throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight frequent on heaths and boggy moorland in the New Forest and the north-east, and in suitable habitat elsewhere in the county and on the Island. Wingspan 35-40 mm. The most likely confusion species is
Northern Spinach Eulithis populata, but in that species the media fascia of the forewing is less distinctly V-shaped and more jagged. Larva feeds on Sallow, Creeping Willow and Aspen, over-wintering as an egg.