Davey, P., 2009: A local species associated with coastal cliff and chalk downland habitat across southern and south-eastern England, the larva feeding on Fabaceae plants including restharrows (Ononis spp.), medicks (Medicago spp.), clovers (Trifolium spp.) and trefoils (Lotus spp.). In Dorset, this stunning moth is confined for the most part,to unimproved chalky soil grassland along the coastal belt where it is locally frequent, particularly in Fabaceae-rich cliff-top and undercliff habitat. The moth may be breeding on heathland on the Lotus that grows along track edges in the thin soils, judging by the full set of inland records: Povington Heath, six on 27 July 2001 (P Davey), Higher Hyde, 1 September 1995 and 23 July 1997 (Dr P Sterling), 23 July 2002 (P Davey), Trigon, at MV light on 29 July 2001 (C Manley), Norden, two at MV light on 13 August 1998 (P Davey), Holton Heath Marsh, at MV light on 27 July 1997 (R Cook), 7 August 1997 (C Manley), two on 31 July 1999 (P Davey), Arne Wood, at MV light on 2 August 1982, 15 July 1986, 5 August 1986, 28 July 1987, 4 August 1990, 15 August 1991 (B Pickess), Corfe Mullen, at MV light on 12 July 2007 (R Steedman), Holt, 5 August 2007 (P Davey).

The national norm is for a single brood in June and July, but in Dorset, July and August are the main months, with individuals trapped in late June and again in mid-September suggesting an additional partial bivoltine cycle.