Local on heathland, open woodland, moorland and bogs throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire fairly common on the heaths of the New Forest and in the north-east, but very local elsewhere. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight since 1948. Wingspan 36-41 mm. The most likely confusion species is Common Heath Ematurga atomaria, especially pale forms. Larva feeds on Heather, Bell Heather, Broom and Petty Whin.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time