Wingspan 13 to17 mm. A distinctive species.

Adult Larva

Inhabiting heathland and moorland.

One of the earlier pugs to emerge in the spring, it flies from April to June, and sometimes has a second generation in August.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Heather in the autumn.

Fairly commonly distributed throughout Britain. 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).