Wingspan about 32 mm. It has a resemblance to Ostrinia nubilalis but has subtle differences in the forewing and a more strongly-marked underside.

Grassy areas

The adults fly in June and July. They are attracted to light, but are also readily disturbed by day.

The larva feeds on a number of plants such as creeping thistle, broom and goosefoot.

Distributed mainly in the southern half of England, Sitochroa verticalis is resident but also a sporadic immigrant, reinforcing the population from time to time. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 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).