Common in damp meadows, calcareous grassland, gardens, hedgerows and open woodland throughout the British Isles, a species of conservation concern under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. Widespread and still moderately common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 36-42 mm. Very variable, with several forms, some of which could be confused with a number of other species, including
Dark Brocade Blepharita adusta and
Light Brocade Lacanobia w-latinum. Larva feeds on flowers and seeds of various grasses, including Reed Canary-grass and Common Couch.