Wingspan 29 to 34 mm. Quite variable, there are a number of forms ranging from quite plain to more variegated examples.

Inhabiting woodland and heathland.

The moths are on the wing in July and August.

The larval foodplants are Birch and Willow.

Generally distributed throughout mainland Britain, it is absent from parts of Wales and the south-west, but occurs in Ireland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Seems to be less common recently in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).