Wingspan 32 to 35 mm. This is quite a distinctive moth with fairly bold patterning.

Inhabits fens, damp woodland and other marshy places.

The adults fly from June to August, and frequent both light and sugar.

The larvae overwinter and feed on Reed Canary-grass and Reed Sweet-grass.

It has a widely but locally scattered distribution over most of England, Wales and southern Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

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