Wingspan 11 to 15 mm. This moth may frequently be identified by a pair of dark stripes running longitudinally down each forewing. However in some individuals these stripes may merge. In others, they may be absent altogether making identification difficult.

Heathland and wasteland.

The adult moth flies from July to September.

The larvae feed on Gorse and Broom, feeding on the flowers before pupating amongst the leaves on the ground.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

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