Wingspan 26 to 31 mm. The colourful combinations of pinks and browns make this an easy species to identify.

It occupies open woodland, scrubland, downland and sea-cliffs.

Flies mainly in June and July.

The larvae feed mainly on bedstraws.

An uncommon species, found locally in the southern parts of England and Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

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