Wingspan 16 to 20 mm. This is a pale greyish member of the genus.

Inhabiting damp grassy places, salt marshes and similar habitats.

A single generation flies in June and July, from dusk onwards, but is infrequent at light. It is more readily disturbed in the daytime from long herbage.

The larvae feed on a number of herbaceous plants, including field Scabious and Hawk's-beard, consuming the flowers and seeds.

It is distributed mainly in southern England, especially near the coast, but does range northwards to Yorkshire. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).