Distribution: Throughout most of the UK, in unimproved meadows, fallow land and also on the edges of woods.

Flight period: Mid June to mid-September, one brood.

Behaviour: Active by day; fluttering flight; feeds at flowers on nectar; falls to the ground when disturbed and feigns death; commonly forms 'dormitory' colonies in the evening on flowers or plant stems; wings folded roof-like over the back when at rest. Female lays eggs in batches on the upperside of leaves of the caterpillar's food plants.

Caterpillar: Short and stout; yellow-green with rows of black and yellow spots; head black with short hairs. Feeds on Bird's-Foot Trefoil; more rarely on Scorpion Vetch and species of sanfoin. Chryslais within a yellowish, boat-shaped, parchment-like cocoon attached to plant stems.

Hibernation: As a caterpillar, sometimes over two winters.