Local in broad-leaved woodland, scrubby heathland and sand-dunes throughout much of England, more commonly in the south. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly common throughout, being the rather more common of the two similar
Macaria species. Wingspan 27-32 mm. The main confusion species is
Peacock Moth M. notata, but in
M. alternata there is usually an indistinct grey band running through the blotch in the centre of the forewing, across both forewing and hindwing, and the apical markings are bolder, accentuating the more pointed apex and deeper notch in the termen. Larva feeds on Sallow, Blackthorn, Sea Buckthorn and Alder, over-wintering as a pupa.