Wingspan 28 to 32 mm. Similar in pattern to The Spectacle, but differs in several respects. Ground colour is brownish-black, base of forewing and thorax are dull straw or reddish brown and cross lines are edged with reddish brown.

Occurring in suburban habitats, waste ground and woodland margins.

It flies in June and July, sometimes with a second generation in the autumn.

The larvae feed mainly on nettle (Urtica dioica) in the autumn, and the species overwinters as a pupa.

Reasonably common in southern and western parts of Britain, but elsewhere is rather local. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).