Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. This moth exhibits a number of variations in wing pattern and colour.

Well wooded areas.

Flies from late July to September. A night flying species, it is often attracted to light.

The larva feeds on a variety of trees, including oak and hazel.

It is common throughout mainland Britain and Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).