Description

Wingspan 100 - 120mm.  The fore-wings are light grey on the front half and dark grey behind. The hind-wings are striped in black, white and greys. The abdomen is strongly marked with white and dark grey, with pink towards the thorax.

Habitat

Woodland edge, hedgerows and gardens. The caterpillars feed on privet, lilac, holly and ash.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in the southern half of Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to August.