Wingspan 27 to 36 mm. There is quite a range of variation in the ground colour and marking intensity, with paler specimens in the south-east and darker or duller ones in the north and west.

Inhabiting dry grassy or stony habitats such as chalk downland and shingle beaches.

The moths fly in May and June, sometimes again in autumn in the south.

The larvae feed on the seeds of various campions (Silene spp.).

This species is fairly well distributed across England and Wales and into the south of Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).