Wingspan 22-27 mm. A dark melanic form nigrofulvata is quite common, especially in the north.

A species of coniferous woodland and gardens.

It flies usually in June and July, but in the south there is a second brood in August.

Coniferous trees form the main foodplants, especially Scots Pine.

This moth is fairly common throughout most 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)