Nationally scarce (Nb) in broad-leaved woodland, scrub and gardens in parts of south-eastern England. In Hampshire largely confined to the extreme south-east corner of the county, on Hayling and Portsea Islands, with occasional wanderers elsewhere in the south of the county and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 49-64 mm. Speckled appearance and large size should preclude confusion with other 'thorns'. Larva feeds on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Birch, Alder, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Poplar, over-wintering as an egg.