Wingspan 25 to 35 mm. A dark species but notable for its distinctive red neck.

Well wooded areas.

The single generation flies in June and July, when it can sometimes be found flying in the daytime. It is also nocturnal, coming to light

Feeding on lichens and algae growing on tree-trunks, the larvae live in autumn, and the species overwinters as a pupa.

A primarily woodland species, which is distributed locally in the south and west of England and Wales, and parts of Ireland. Occasional records from elsewhere are considered to be probable migrants. 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).