Wingspan 36 to 41 mm.

A species which occupies moors and heaths, as well as open woodland.

There is just one brood, flying in June and July, when the moths are on the wing from dusk into the night.

The caterpillars overwinter and feed predominantly on heather and heath as well as broom and gorse.

It is fairly frequent in parts of southern England, but local elsewhere in Britain as far north as southern Scotland. 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).