Wingspan 27 to 32 mm. A relatively poorly-marked species, with a range of variants, some of which tend towards the melanic form obscura. Often it is still possible to see the remnants of a darker spot and pale band across the wing however.

A good photograph is generally required to support your record.

The species inhabits woodland where Birch is present.

The adults fly at night from June to August.

The larval foodplant is Birch.

It is widespread and fairly frequent throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Scarce / uncommon in VC55.