Wingspan 23 to 29 mm. This species varies somewhat in ground colour, with specimens ranging from pale buff to deep reddish-brown.

Found in marshy areas, wet heathland and other damp localities.

The adults fly in August and September.

The larvae feed internally in the stems of sedges.

Fairly common throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident).