Wingspan 17 to 23 mm. The curved dark bands at the base of the forewings are quite distinctive, but their intensity varies, and the female is generally paler than the male.

It inhabits woodland and is quite secretive, but can be attracted to light at night.

The adults fly in July.

The larvae feed on the flowers of Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) and Oxeye Daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare).

A local species, occurring in England and Wales and parts of Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).