Common in woodland, gardens and heathland throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 28-36 mm. Very variable, and can be confused with a number of other species, but general pattern sufficiently distinct to enable identification in most cases; a useful field mark, sometimes absent, is the small black dot between the orbicular stigma and dorsum, a feature shared by the superficially similar
Small Square-spot D. rubi. Larva feeds on Primrose, Hawthorn, Hazel, Blackthorn and other woody plants.