Wingspan 26 to 30 mm. A small 'Wainscot', with a variable ground colour, but usually displaying distinctively darker veins on the forewing.

It occurs in marshy places and fens.

Flies in July and August.

The larvae feed in the stems of Wood Small-reed (Calamagrostis epigejos).

Found in scattered localities throughout southern and central England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B

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