Common in gardens, heathland, rough grassland, fens, woodland edges and waste ground throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-38 mm. The main confusion species is Dark Spectacle A. triplasia, which see. Larva feeds on Stinging Nettle, over-wintering as a pupa.
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