Widespread across the region. Formerly very local and restricted to the south, but has expanded in the 21st century (as elsewhere in southern England). Breeding sites are in woodland and wooded hedgerows, where the larva lives in association with the ant Lasius fuliginosus, which nests in old trees.

Recorded in 54 (69%) of 78 10k Squares.
First Recorded in 1750.
Last Recorded in 2022.
(Data up to end 2022)