Wingspan 20 to 22 mm.

Acid heaths and damp woodland habitats.

The adults are on the wing in a single generation from May to July.

The caterpillars feed during the autumn on a number of grasses, including Purple Moor-grass

Distributed mainly in the southern half of England and parts of North Wales. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).