It is quite variable, and it is suggested that the paler individuals derive from desert origin, these often arriving with Saharan 'dust storms'.

Various, but often near the south coast.

June to August is the main arrival period.

In a good migration year, larvae are often recorded, especially in southern coastal districts. The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, including often garden Marigolds.

A migrant species, which varies in numbers from year to year, with large numbers in some years and absent in others, with southern England the most frequent location. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as a migrant.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).