Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, grassland, heathland, moorland and gardens throughout the British Isles, at low altitudes in the north. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan male 40-45 mm, female wingless. Somewhat similar to
Scarce Umber Agriopis aurantiaria and
Dotted Border A. marginaria, which see for differences. Larva, formerly considered a pest, feeds on various broad-leaved trees and shrubs, including Oak, Birch, Hazel, Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Apple, Dog-rose, Sycamore, Hornbeam and Elm, over-wintering as an egg.