The wingspan is 46–55 mm. The length of the forewings is 22–26 mm. The forewings have a grey-white ground colour with a brownish tinge and are fine blackish dusted. The outer margin of the forewing has a convexity. The forewings have conspicuous transverse lines and a clear discal mark. The discal mark is pale centred and dark ringed. The forewings of the male have a fovea. The hindwings are similarly marked. The hindwing median and second lines are conspicuously dark and wavy.[1]
The moths fly in one generation from the end of April to July.[1]
The larvae feed on various trees including oak and birch.
Similar species:
Hypomecis roboraria (H.roboraria has a pale spot on a dark background at the apex forewing underside which is not present in H. punctinalis
^ Bernd Müller, Sven Erlacher, Axel Hausmann, Pasi Sihvonen, and Peder Skou , 2019 In: Axel Hausmann (Hrsg.):, 2015 The Geometrid Moths of Europe. 1. Auflage. Volume 6: Ennominae II.(Boarmiini, Gnophini, additions to previous volumes) Apollo Books, Stenstrup 2019, :ISBN 978-90-04-38748-5
Notes
^The flight season refers to the Belgium and the Netherlands. This may vary in other parts of the range.
