Wingspan 35-38 mm. There is some colour variation, but the species generally shows the 'pale shoulder' that gives rise to its English name.

Frequenting woodland and moorland

Flying in June and July, sometimes a partial second brood occurs in the south.

The nocturnal larvae feed on a variety of deciduous trees and plants, including Oak, Willow and Knotgrass

Commonly distributed throughout the whole of 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)