Wingspan 30 to 35 mm. This species has a mottled grey ground colour and three darker transverse lines.

Frequents wooded habitats especially where Birch is present.

The adults fly in May and June.

Birch is the main foodplant, but occasionally Alder is used.

Fairly common over much of England and Wales, scarcer and more local in Ireland and Scotland. 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).