This species is present from northern and western Europe,[3] east through Russia and Asia to Japan and Korea.

[5] These moths colonize montane to subalpine coniferous forests, at an elevation up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft) above sea level.

[7] These moths are extraordinarily variable in terms of color, wing shape and size.

Adults are on wing from fly from mid or late June to August and sometimes September in favourable conditions.

[4][6] Adults are nocturnal and have been found taking nectar from Rubus, Cirsium oleraceum, Silene vulgaris and Phyteuma.