Wingspan 22-28 mm. The males are drab light to dark brown with a darker central forewing band (although this is sometimes indistinct) and a brownish hindwing. The females are virtually wingless.

Often seen near car headlights, especially if close to trees and bushes.

From late autumn through to January or February.

The virtually wingless females crawl up tree-trunks to await the arrival of males. The larvae feed on a range of trees and shrubs, as well as moorland species such as Heather. Sometimes the larvae occur in great numbers, reaching pest status and occasionally completely defoliating small trees.

A common species in most of Britain. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

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