Wingspan 19-22 mm. It has a dark chestnut brown forewing dusted with grey and the typical yellow and dark banded hindwing

Frequents meadows, grassy downland and other open areas.

A day-flying species which prefers sunny weather. On the wing in May and June, it visits various flowers in grassy meadows.

The larvae feed on the flowers and seeds of Mouse-ear especially Common Mouse-ear.

It is widely distributed, though local, over much of mainland Britain as far as southern Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)