Wingspan 20 to 26 mm.

Where the larval foodplant is present.

It flies in July and August, and is attracted to light.

The larvae feed mainly on the seeds of Red Bartsia. It spends the winter as a pupa, and unusually for the family, may overwinter more than once in this stage before emerging.

Widely distributed over England and Wales, though usually local, it is scarce in southern Scotland and Ireland. 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).