It is a common species of northern and central Europe including the British Isles and Russia to the Urals.

The scientific name of the species is derived from the Latin language bi = "twice" and dentatus = "toothed".

Characteristic are two small humps on the penultimate segment as well as two dark, capsule-like protrusions on the head.

The caterpillar is green or brown and twig like, and feeds on a variety of plants (see list below).

Habitats include deciduous and mixed woodland, bog forests and parklands.