Wingspan 32 to 38 mm.

On the continent it is double-brooded, and the larvae feed on a range of plants, most commonly nettle (Urtica dioica).

This was formerly a very rare migrant to the UK, but has colonized and quickly spread during the last decade. In addition, the introduction of an effective pheromone lure for this species has shown it to be much more common than previously thought.

This is becoming increasingly common in VC55.