Wingspan 32 to 40 mm. Like other members of the Cuculliinae, when at rest they have an accentuated posture with a forward-projecting tuft of hair on the thorax.

Occupying waste ground, quarries, sea-cliffs and similar habitats.

The adults are on the wing in July.

The larvae eat the flowers and seeds of Wormwood or Mugwort.

A rather local species, occurring in scattered locations throughout England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).