Wingspan 30-32 mm. A sexually dimorphic species, the males having brownish variegated forewings and white hindwings, the females have fairly plain dark brown forewings and buffish hindwings.

Gardens, farmland, grassland, heathland and open woodland.

There are possibly three generations during the year, with moths on the wing from May to October.

The larvae feed on a number of low plants.

Fairly common in southern England and Wales, its range only extends as far north as the Midlands. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

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