A rare and local but widespread species in Belgium and mainly observed in the southern provinces.

In autum, the larva lives on a variety of herbaceous plants like Rumex, Lamium and Stellaria media. In spring, mainly on shrubs and trees like Hedera, Euonymus, Crataegus, Betula and Prunus spinosa. Hibernates as a small larva, low down in the vegetation. Pupates in a cocoon behind bark, among Ivy, in crevices and in loose earth.

The adults fly in one generation a year; from mid June onwards till mid September. They rarely come to light but often to sugar. They hide gregariously in dark places during daytime (see More pictures).