This is a variable species, the forewings ranging from yellow to reddish brown and marked with paler stigmata and fascia.

The paler ochreous form is the type; the deep ferruginous examples are ferruginea Especially in Agrochola macilenta Hbn., the forewings are darkened by fuscous shading, especially along inner and outer margins; the hindwings are blackish grey; the ab.

fusconervosa Petersen has all the nervures dark throughout; in nigridens Fuchs, a rare form, the cross lines are strongly black and dentate.

[1] This moth flies at night from August to October[note 1] and will come to light but is more strongly attracted to some flowers and sugary foods.

[2] The larva is reddish brown, dotted with darker; dorsal line pale, passing through a series of V-shaped dark markings; a pale spiracular line with dark markings in a row above it.