Local in gardens, waste ground, damp meadows and rough ground throughout much of southern England and Wales. In Hampshire previously very local and by no means common, except in the Alton/Selborne area, but in recent years has become a relatively common autumn moth, perhaps indicating a recent range expansion and growth in population. On the Isle of Wight, remains extremely uncommon. Wingspan 42-52 mm. Larva feeds on Dandelion, Rosebay Willowherb, Red Valerian and Common Ragwort, over-wintering as an egg.