Wingspan 40 to 50 mm. A variable species, with the brightest individuals occurring in the south-east.

It is to be found in suburban habitats, waste ground and coastal cliffs.

It flies in September and October, when it visits light.

A range of herbaceous plants are used by the larvae, including Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) and Red Valerian (Centranthus ruber). It can be a pest on garden plants.

Distributed mainly in southern England, it occurs in scattered locations northwards to parts of northern England, but with an eastern bias. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain 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).