In North Africa (eastern Algeria and Tunisia), there is a smaller presence belonging to a separate subspecies (Idaea aversata indeviata Prout, 1935).

Outside Europe, the distribution area extends from northern Turkey up to the Caucasus, from there via Central Asia, Siberia and north-east China to Japan.

Two main forms exist, equally abundant: one has darker shading between the central fasciae, the other (designated ab.

[3] See also Prout and Hausmann[4][5][6] [7] The larva is moderately stout, tapering anteriorly and somewhat flattened, with a projecting and puckered lateral ridge The head small and reddish brown thickly dusted with black.

The adults fly at night from June to August, occasionally later,[1] and are attracted to light.

The larva feeds on a variety of plants including bedstraw, chickweed, dandelion and knotgrass.