Wingspan 35-40 mm. Although quite variable in shades of brown, typically this species is a rich chestnut colour with a tuft of creamy hairs on the thorax. When at rest it is well camouflaged and, if handled, feigns death.

Woodland, scrub, parks and gardens.

Flies in May and June and again in August.

The green caterpillar feeds on a wide range of deciduous trees and has the habit of raising the head over the back when alarmed.

Fairly common throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident)