The wingspan is 15–19 millimetres (0.59–0.75 in). The forewings have a moderately arched costa. They pale ochreous, with several obscure shining whitish striae with a dark brown spot along the base of the costa. There is a narrow dark brown antemedian fascia, angulated above the middle and interrupted below the angle and abruptly dilated on the dorsum . The subterminal fascia is represented by dark brown spots on costa and dorsum, and a very indistinct spot between them. The hindwings are rather dark grey.[4]
Adults are on wing from late June to August in western Europe.[5]
The larvae feed on the seedheads Arctium species (including Arctium lappa and possibly Arctium minus). Full-grown larvae overwinter from October in a cocoon on the ground or occasionally in the seedhead. Pupation takes place within this cocoon.[6]
^Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Keys and description