Local in broad-leaved woodland, parks, heathland and scrub throughout south-eastern England. In Hampshire fairly common in the south but rather scarce in the north and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 34-42 mm. Unmistakable. Larva feeds on Broad-leaved Dock, Curled Dock, Sheep's Sorrel, Common Sorrel and Knotgrass, 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