Wingspan 14-18 mm. This reddish-brown species inhabits a range of habitats.

Rough pastures, unimproved grassland, downland and woodland rides.

The nocturnal adults fly between June and August.

The larvae overwinter on a number of grasses, especially Wood Small-reed and False-brome.

Occurs fairly frequently in England, Wales and southern Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant)