Wingspan about 23 mm (male) and 17 mm (female). In common with D. fagella, the females have under-developed wings (brachypterous).

Areas where the larval foodplants are present.

The adult moths are at large in October and November, when the males can be attracted to light.

Oak (Quercus) and bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) are the preferred larval foodplants in this country.

Locally but widely distributed over much of the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).