Wingspan 16-19 mm. Despite its English name, this is by no means the smallest of the Pug moths in Britain.

Occurs in coniferous woodlands and parkland.

The adults appear on the wing in June and July.

The nondescript brownish caterpillars feed on the needles of coniferous trees such as Norway Spruce and Douglas Fir.

It is distributed throughout much of Britain. 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 & Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant)