Wingspan 20-23 mm. The females are smaller than the males and are more well-marked; the males are plain buffish with darker dots along the veins and often show a slight glossy sheen.

Occupying marshy localities, damp woodland and similar habitats.

The moths fly from June to August in a single brood.

The larvae feed on the stems of Tufted Hair-grass (Deschampsia cespitosa).

A fairly common species over much of the British Isles. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

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