Nationally scarce (Nb) in open woodland, woodland rides and scrub in southern England (Hampshire and adjoining counties) and from north Somerset up through Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire into Herefordshire, with a few isolated populations elsewhere in England and southern Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight local but quite frequent in many woodland localities. Wingspan 27-30 mm. Small size renders this 'thorn' fairly unmistakable. Larva feeds on Bramble, in neutral or basic habitats, or Bilberry in those which are acid, over-wintering as a pupa.