A medium-sized migratory butterfly with a Holarctic distribution (North America, Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia) and common in most parts of the country (except the extreme desert), for most of the year (except the harsh winter days). Its wingspan is about 60 mm. It produces at least two generations a year.
The female lays her eggs on the stinging nettle and Parietaria plant. The egg color is green.
A dark, hairy caterpillar hatches from the egg. For protection it folds the leaf, builds a "house," and lives inside it. The colors of the mature caterpillar are grayish black with a white stripe (usually interrupted) along the sides of its body. There are caterpillars whose basic color is grayish brown. Along the caterpillar's body there are tubercles with bristles. Its maximum size is about 40 mm.
The pupa (usually hanging on the host plant) is grayish and decorated with spots and golden markings. Its size is about 25 mm. Its duration is about two to three weeks.