Wingspan 11-16 mm.

Generally a coastal species, this moth can also be found inland in gardens, due to its foodplant preference for Thrift.

The species has two generations, with moths emerging in June and July, and again in September. The adults can be seen in late afternoon around the foodplant, and later are attracted to light.

The larvae feed on the flowerheads and seeds of the foodplant Thrift, as well as Bird's-foot trefoil.

It is widely but locally distributed in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

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