A very common migrant which can be found throughout the year, sometimes in large numbers, although its main flight period is from May to September. In major irruptive years it can be an agricultural and horticultural pest. The larvae feed on a large range of, mainly low-growing, herbaceous plants including stinging nettles (Urtica dioica).

References: 
Leverton, R. & Cubitt, M. (2024). The Larger Moths of Scotland.
Waring, P. & Townsend, M. (2018 third edition). Field Guide to the Moths of Great Britain and Ireland.