Local in marshes, river-banks, damp areas, fens and boggy heathland throughout much of England and southern Wales. In Hampshire locally common on damp heathland in the New Forest and in the north-east, and along the Test and Itchen valleys, and locally elsewhere; remarkably scarce on the Isle of Wight with only a few scattered records. Wingspan 36-43 mm. Distinguished by the shape of the wing in which the apex, termen and costa are more rounded than similar related species. Larva feeds on various grasses, including Common Reed, Purple Moor-grass and Reed Canary-grass.