Wingspan 18-21 mm. The largest of Britain's 'longhorn' moths. Resembles N. schwarziellus, with long white antennae and yellow-orange head tufts, but is larger and has no discal spot.

Usually associated with deciduous woodland habitats.

It is on the wing during May and June.

The larvae are believed to feed on dead leaves.

This species is generally distributed throughout the British Isles. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 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)