Wingspan 11 to 16 mm. A characteristically-patterned species which cannot easily be mistaken for any other, although the extent of the markings does vary somewhat.

Various habitats.

The adults are on the wing in June and July, the males flying in sunshine, the females after dark.

The larvae feed on a range of herbaceous plants, in particular Lesser Celandine folding over a leaf and feeding within.

It is widespread but rather local over the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

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