Wingspan 33 to 39 mm. The species varies from a very black-and-white form to an almost all brown variety, occurring in Shetland.

Preferring chalky soils and shingle beaches.

The adults fly in May and June, sometimes with a partial second generation in the south-east of England.

The larvae feed on the seeds of Bladder-campion, and other Silene species.

Locally widespread over a large part of the British Isles. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

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