Wingspan 30 to 35 mm. The wings have a conspicuous tear shaped white mark and brown cross-lines and veins near the outer edge.

The adults fly in June and July from dusk.

The larvae are nocturnal and feed on grasses, particularly Cock's-foot and Common Couch.

Fairly common in much of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Quite common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident).