Davey, P., 2009: A widespread species in the British Isles, the larva feeding on the roots of grasses and other plants that include nettle (Urtica spp.), burdock (Arctium spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum spp.) and dock (Rumex spp.). In Dorset, the moth ranges from common on some unimproved alkaline grasslands, to local on sandy soils "further east; it is virtually absent from heathland. The species has not constituted an agricultural pest, but prior to the widespread use of pesticides in agriculture occasionally proved troublesome in flower gardens" (per W Parkinson Curtis manuscript).

Recorded in 36 (90%) of 40 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1930.
Last Recorded in 2019.
(Data up to end 2019)