Common in damp woodland, scrub, hedgerows, high moorland, fens and gardens throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight generally rather uncommon, but widely distributed. Wingspan 32-38 mm. The main confusion species is
Devon Carpet L. otregiata, which see for differences. Superficially similar to a number of other species, including
Phoenix Eulithis prunata, but has a pair of small notches on basal edge of broad bar on forewing. Larva feeds on Lady's Bedstraw, Heath Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw and Cleavers, over-wintering as a pupa.