Wingspan 28 to 45 mm. This species has a wide variation both in colour and size.

Frequents waste ground, marshy areas, and other places where the foodplants such as Docks grow.

It is on the wing from August to October

The larvae live on a range of low plants, but especially Dock, feeding beneath the ground on the roots.

Common and widespread throughout the British Isles. 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)