Wingspan 32 to 37 mm.

It prefers lowland habitats, including estuaries, river valleys and salt marshes.

It is double-brooded in the south, flying in May and June, then August and September. In the north, the single generation appears on the wing in June and July.

The larvae feed on such low plants as dock and plantain.

A locally distributed species, mainly in England and Wales, but also occurring in Ireland, and scarcely in southern Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).