Distribution:

from Northern Africa to Scandinavia (except the far north) and from Western Europe to the Russian Far East.

Wingspan:

In between 3,8 and 4,8 centimeter

Season:

depends on the local conditions, one or two broods annually in between April and September.  In captivity usually 2 flights. The pupae overwinter.

Food plants:

Lonicera and Symphoricarpos preferred, alternatively also Knautia, Scabiosa and Cephalaria.

Rearing:

Easy and suitable for newcomers. Keep warm and clean, in well ventilated plastic containers. The containers can be small. Fully grown the caterpillars only become around 4 centimeter and thus don't require much space. Very fast growing and ready to pupate within 3 to 4 weeks. The pupal stage in between the 2 summer flights is short (2 to 3 weeks). Pupae after the last flight can be overwintered in the fridge.

Difficulties:

none