Common in broad-leaved woodland, scrub, parks and gardens throughout much of southern England. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still fairly common in deciduous woodland, but its range shows signs of contracting, especially in the New Forest. Wingspan 46-55 mm. The main confusion species is
Great Oak Beauty H. roboraria, which differs in dark border to apex of underwing of forewing. Larva feeds on Oak, Birch, Hazel, Hawthorn, Apple and Sallow, over-wintering as a pupa.