Description

Wingspan 30 - 34mm. The wings have a pale straw ground colour with fine black speckling. A dark, red-brown line crosses fore and hind-wings, going right to the tip of the fore-wing, and the wings are edged with deep pink.

Habitat

Damp places with rank vegetation. The caterpillars feed on members of the Polygonaceae family, such as docks, sorrels and knotgrass.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in southern England and Wales. Less common further north and in Scotland. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

May to November in three generations.