Two generations, most commonly from mid-May to early August with another second generation in September. Common to England, Wales and Ireland, less frequent in Scotland at the north of its range.

Most easily recognisable by the dark blackish shallow-V band across the collar when viewed from the front. The wings can vary in colour from pale or greyish brown to dark brown or even blackish; the paler examples are usually males and females are generally darker. The central dart mark is narrow and a solid black.

The adults regularly come to light, often in large numbers. The caterpillars can be found from July to the following spring, feeding until October and then overwintering as fully grown larvae in underground cells where it also pupates.