Wingspan about 14mm. There are a number of rather similar species, and care must be taken in the identification.

Occupying woods, heaths and fenland especially damper areas where willow is present.

Moths are on the wing in May and June when they can be attracted to light.

The larva feeds on various willows during August and September, consuming the parenchyma on the underside of the leaves.

This species is fairly widely distributed across much of the British Isles, but is not particularly common. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 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).