Local in broad-leaved woodland and scrubby heathland throughout much of southern England, north-western England and western Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common throughout, and often very common in birch woodland. Wingspan 28-32 mm. The main confusion species is Sharp-angled Peacock M. alternata, which see. Larva feeds on Birch and Sallow, over-wintering as a pupa.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time