Common in woodland, scrub, hedgerows, parks and gardens throughout England, Wales and southern Scotland. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 40-48 mm. One of a number of confusingly similar species, including
Feathered Beauty P. secundaria,
Mottled Beauty Alcis repandata,
Great Oak Beauty Hypomecis roboraria and
Satin Beauty Deileptenia ribeata, which can be separated with care by their forewing markings. Larva feeds on Hawthorn, Plum, Privet, Silver and Downy Birch, Alder Buckthorn, Honeysuckle, Traveller's-joy and Ivy.