The wingspan is 18–23 millimetres (0.71–0.91 in). There are two generations per year in western Europe, with Adults on wing in July, and again from September to early-June, hibernating through the winter.[3] The imago of the brindled plume is similar in appearance to the beautiful plume (Amblyptilia acanthadactyla) but is darker appearing greyish-brown (cf. warm reddish-brown colour of the beautiful plume) and has distinct white speckling.[4][5] Examination of the genitalia is required for certain identification
^ abStirling, Phil; Parsons, Mark; Lewington, Richard (2012). Field Guide to the Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland. Gillingham, Dorset: British Wildlife. p. 190. ISBN978 0 9564902 1 6.