The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of Systema Naturae.

It is found in Europe, Asia Minor, Transcaucasia, Siberia[1] and the Altai Mountains.

The species is very similar to Perizoma affinitata in colour and pattern but often has a double indention in the inner margin of the band.

"Very similar to affinitata but smaller, with clearer and more regular white marks at the hindmargin of the forewing, tendency towards obsolescence of the pale band on the dark hindwing; distal area of forewing with black dushes on the veins.

It is the prevailing form in Estonia and perhaps in Scandinavia and is commoner in Scotland than in England, but occurs as an aberration in many localities.