Wingspan 13 to 15 mm. Resembles a medium-sized E. gentianaeana but distinguished by the more broadly suffused apical area, which reduces or narrows the band of whitish ground colour beyond the median fascia, the more strongly dilated subterminal fascia, the pale patch from the tornus lacking a violaceous tinge, and by the paler hindwing [Bradley].

Frequents dry pastures, downland and wasteland.

Adult moths fly in June and July. They fly in the late afternoon and evening.

The habits of the larvae are not well described in this country. Originally thought to feed on Common Knapweed, the species has recently been reared from larvae found in the rootstock of Ribwort Plantain.

Occurring most commonly in the southern and central southern parts of England and Wales, this species has also been recorded further north, to Lancashire. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland - the Dadlington record of 8th July 2013 is the first record for VC55. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).