- Lifespan
- 4–6 weeks as an adult moth; total lifecycle 1 year including larval and pupal stages
- Size & Weight
- Wingspan 32–40 mm
- Habitat
- Open moorlands, heathlands, and rough grassland with abundant foodplants such as bilberry and heather.
- UK Distribution
- Resident species found primarily in northern England, Scotland, Wales, and southwestern England; populations are most abundant on upland areas and coastal heaths.
- Diet
- Adult moths do not feed; larvae feed exclusively on low-growing plants including bilberry, heather, hawthorn, and bramble.
- Predators
- Birds, spiders, and parasitic wasps; larvae are preyed upon by ground beetles and small mammals.
- Mating Season
- May to June
- Breeding
- Females lay clusters of 50–150 eggs on or near foodplants; single brood per year; eggs hatch after 1–2 weeks, larvae develop over 6–8 weeks, pupation occurs in soil for overwintering.
- Behaviour
- Males are day-flying and highly active, often seen hovering around vegetation in search of females. Females are mostly nocturnal and remain well-camouflaged. The species is notably dimorphic, with males smaller and more brightly coloured than females.