Wingspan 35 to 38 mm. A fairly distinctive species with a broad, brownish forewing, often with a purple tinge, and a blackish patch between the two forewing stigmata.

This is a woodland species.

Main flight period is June and July.

The larval foodplants are a wide range of herbaceous plants and shrubs.

Quite common throughout most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = A (common and resident).