Wingspan 40 to 48 mm. Similar to The Tissue but with a straighter-edged forewing and more strongly marked hindwings. The underside has more obvious black central markings and two dark marks close to the base of the forewing edge.

May be found around Berberis, and occurs in gardens.

It is a spring species, being on the wing from late April to June, and is attracted to light.

Barberry (Berberis vulgaris) forms the main foodplant.

As the name implies, it is scarce in some areas. It occurs in England and Wales, though its stronghold is in East Anglia. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).