Wingspan 25 to 30 mm. A grey moth with angular black lined markings. It is quite variable across its range, the more northern forms tending to be darker.

Its preferred habitats are heathland and the edges of woodland.

August and September.

The larvae feed on a range of plants and trees including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Bilberry and Heather.

Its range extends through England and Wales to northern Scotland. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain this species was classified as common.

Generally common in VC55.