Wingspan 45-55 mm. The rather variable adults of this species usually have a metallic green sheen on the blackish areas of the forewing. It is one of the few tiger moths with developed mouthparts, allowing it to feed on nectar.

Occupies damp areas such as fens, marshes, river banks and quarries as well as rocky cliffs near the sea.

A day-flying species. The single generation flies in May and June.

The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, but especially Comfrey.

It is locally frequent in southern and south-west England, south Wales and some areas in North-west England. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

This species appears to have become much more common in Leicestershire and Rutland in recent years.