Wingspan 12 to 18 mm. A variable but quite distinctive species, with a chequered pattern to the forewings.

Various habitats, especially where the larval foodplants are found.

It flies between May and August.

The larvae feed in the roots of Oxtongue (Helminthotheca) and Hawkweed (Hieracium) among others.

Its distribution in Britain covers southern England extending northwards to Yorkshire, with odd records from Wales. 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).