Wingspan 20 to 26 mm. A small species with wing barred with pale gold-green.

The preferred habitats of this moth are open, dry grassy areas, limestone hills and sandy or shingle beaches.

The flight period is from May to July, when the moths are on the wing in late afternoon and early evening.

The larvae feed on the seeds of Yellow Rattle as they ripen.

A widespread but rather local species in Britain. 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). The Sapcote record of 20th May 2011 is the first in VC55 since 2004.