Wingspan 10 to16 mm. A relatively plain pale buff species with a slight metallic sheen.

It occupies dry grassland habitats and flower meadows, especially where the larval foodplant is present.

A day flying species that can be found on the wing in May and June.

The larvae feed in the stems of wood-rush (Luzula spp.) during the early spring.

Fairly frequent in England and Wales, but only extends as far north as southern Scotland. 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).