Common in woodland, hedgerows, gardens, scrubby grassland, moorland and heathland throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight fairly widespread and common. Wingspan 36-44 mm. The main confusion species is
Plain Golden Y A. jota, in which reniform stigma is indistinct or absent. Larva feeds predominantly on Stinging Nettle, but also on Hedge Woundwort, Common Ragwort, Water Avens and Honeysuckle.