Description

Wingspan 32 to 40mm. There are two forms. The commonest form is pale buff with black and brown patterning. There is a pair of dart marks on the outer part of the fore-wing. The other form is almost entirely brown with a white wavy line towards the border of the fore and hind-wings. Males are slightly darker and smaller than females and there are two generations a year, the second generation being smaller than the first.

Habitat

Woodland, scrub and hedgerows. The larvae feed on a wide range of woody plants.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout most of Britain except the Scottish highlands. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

March to October.