Local on clifftops, undercliffs, saltmarshes and sand-dunes in southern England and South Wales, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight more or less confined to the coasts of vice-counties 10 and 11, where it is locally fairly common. Wingspan 50-66 mm. Could be confused with the occasional
Scarlet Tiger Callimorpha dominula which has yellow hindwing. Larva feeds on White Dead-nettle, Black Horehound, Common Ragwort and Common Cow-wheat.