Wingspan 13 to18 mm. This pale straw brown species is one of the smaller 'pug' moths.

It occupies a variety of wooded and semi-wooded habitats where the larval food plant occurs. 

The adults are on the wing in July and August and come to light.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Field maple (Acer campestris).

This species is local, though distributed over the larger part of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).