Wing length 14-16 mm. Well marked and with a purplish hue in fresh specimens.

The Campion closely resembles The Lychnis (H. bicruris), but tends to have the two forewing stigmata joined at the base. Fresh specimens usually also have a purplish suffusion.

In areas where the larval foodplants are found.

It mainly flies in May and June, but in the south there is a second brood in August and September.

The caterpillars feed internally in the seed capsules of various campions (Silene) and catchfly (Lychnis).

Distributed widely over much of Britain, and fairly common in places. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).