Common in a wide variety of habitats, from gardens to wetlands throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-34 mm. Could be confused with the much rarer
Radford's Flame Shoulder O. leucogaster, which see. Larva feeds on various herbaceous plants, including Groundsel, Ribwort Plantain, Lady's Bedstraw, Hedge Bedstraw and Heath Bedstraw, over-wintering as a pupa.