Wingspan 20 to 25 mm. Both the English and Latin names refer to the 'scorched' appearance of this species, though this is more obvious on the underside, which is suffused with reddish-brown.

Often in woodland and round its larval foodplant.

It is mainly double-brooded, flying in May and June, and later in August.

The larvae feed on Spindle.

Reasonably frequent in the south of England and Wales, its range extends to parts of northern England where it is scarce. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).