The wingspan is 17–24 mm. The body is dark, the forewing is silky grey, often with darker outer margin. All wings have white fringes. The hindwings are grey, slightly darkened behind the wing tip. It is very similar to Aphelia paleana.
Adults are on wing from June to July.
The larvae feed on various low-growing plants, including Heracleum and Rubus species. They feed between spun leaves.
