Wingspan 30 to 35 mm. Of the three 'kittens' (Furcula spp.) in Britain, this has the most contrasting appearance, having dark slate-grey, almost black bands on a white background.

It can be found in woodland habitats.

The single generation flies from May to July.

The larvae feed on Birch as well as Alder.

It is a locally distributed species, occurring in the southern half of England, rarely as far north as Cumbria. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

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