Wingspan 30 to 35 mm. Superficially similar to the Common White Wave (C. pusaria), this species has a dusky sprinkling of brownish scales and the cross-lines are more curved.

It prefers damp woodland and marshy areas

Between May and August, with two broods in the south.

The larvae feed on Willow and Aspen.

It can be found fairly commonly throughout Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

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