[1] From the Balkan Peninsula, the occurrence continues across the Palearctic though Ukraine, southern Russia and Asia Minor to the Caucasus and from there via northern Iran, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan to the Central Asian mountains as far as Mongolia.

Of all moths in Britain it showed the greatest percentage increase in abundance between 1968 and 2007,[2] and expanded its range beyond the vicinity of London.

These moths inhabit wastelands, open places, parks and well exposed gardens.

The caterpillar is rather short, becomes thinner towards the hind end, and shows distinct constrictions.

The larvae mainly feed on ivy (Hedera) and traveller's joy (Clematis vitalba).