Description

Wingspan 35mm. The fore-wings are grey, suffused with pink. The hind-wings are red with a broad black band and thin red border.

Habitat

Open areas, in woodland, parks and gardens. Grassland and set-aside farmland. The caterpillars feed on herbaceous plants, including ragwort, plantain and broom.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread throughout Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

April to September in two broods.