Wingspan 28 to 33 mm. Forewing is broad, pointed, orange-yellow finely speckled with orange-red, and with orange brown cross lines and veins, the central one thicker and fairly straight, diagonal and passing between oval and kidney mark touching the latter.

Has a preference for woodland, parkland and suburban areas, where its foodplant, Lime is established.

It flies in August and September, and comes to light as well as sugar.

The larvae feed initially on the leaf-buds and later the leaves, of Lime.

Distributed over the greater part of Britain. 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).