Common on heathland, sand-dunes, downland and open woodland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-38 mm. The characteristic white marks adjacent to the orbicular stigma and bordered with black resemble the points of an open pair of shears. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Smooth Hawk's-beard, Mouse-ear Hawkweed and Lucerne, over-wintering as a pupa.