Wingspan 34-46 mm. A distinctive and colourful species.

Marshes, fens, woodland rides and upland grassland and, on heathland, moorland and river-banks

It has two generations in the south, sometimes only one in the north, flying between June and September

The larvae feed on a variety of plants, mainly associated with these damp habitats.

Reasonably common throughout the whole of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire & Rutland and possibly increasing. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)