Wingspan 15 to 22mm. This species is sexually dimorphic: male adults have a uniform white to yellowish-brown unmarked forewing while female adults are variably marked with light to dark brown. Some females have a strong banded pattern. Males lack a costal fold.

Coastal and chalky habitats, grassland, fens, heathland.

June to August.

Larvae have been recorded feeding on plants from a number of families.

Fairly frequent and widespread in the southern half of Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).