Reasonably common, but has declined drastically in recent years, in gardens, water meadows, marshes, fens, sand-dunes and open woodland throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight still widespread, but present only in small numbers. Wingspan 50-78 mm. Variable, but generally unmistakable. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Stinging Nettle, Broad-leaved Dock, Greater Burdock and Lesser Burdock.