Wingspan 26 to 31 mm.

This species occupies damp woodlands, mosses and heathland.

It has an early spring emergence, being on the wing in March and April.

The larvae feed on bedstraw during early summer.

Fairly well distributed over much of the British Isles. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

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