Wingspan 19 to 20 mm. An attractive species with broad pinky-purple bars on the wings

It frequents acid heathland, chalky downland and open woodland.

A mainly diurnal species, flying in May to July, it also flies after dark, when it is attracted to light.

The larvae feed on the flowers and leaves of Common Milkwort and Heath Milkwort.

Most common in the south of England, occurring locally elsewhere to northern Scotland. 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).