Distribution:

Africa, southern Europe migrating north to as far as Sweden, throughout the Middle East eastward  through central Asia as far as parts of China and southern India

Wingspan:

In between 6,5 and 8,5 centimeter

Season:

multiple flights between February and November or nearly continuously in the warmer parts of its distribution and in captivity. Do not try to overwinter the pupae.

Food plants:

Rumex and other Polygonaceae, Onagraceae (Epilobium, Oenothera, Fuchsia, Clarkia, ...), Vitaceae (Vitis, Cissus, ...), Rubiaceae (Galium, Rubia, ...) and many others (for example Gossypium, Beta, Linaria, Scabiosa, Asphodelus, ...)

Rearing:

Easy and suitable for newcomers. Keep warm, dry and clean.  Fast growing and ready to pupate within 3 to 4 weeks. Keep in spacious and well ventilated plastic containers, final instars better in netted cages. The pupal stage between the 2 flights is short (only 2 weeks when kept warm). 

Difficulties:

winter rearing can be more challenging