Nationally scarce (Na) on grassy slopes and clifftops in parts of south-western England and southern Wales, predominantly coastal. In Hampshire first recorded in July 1901 on heathland near Boscombe (in vice-county 11, now Dorset), it was over one hundred years before the second was recorded, at Northney on Hayling Island in July 2006; the first and to date only Isle of Wight record was at Totland on 22 August 2017. Wingspan 32-36 mm. A relatively well-marked and attractive wainscot. Larva feeds on various grasses.
Update: Status review, December 2019.