There is a distinct, usually stretched discal spot and dark grey to brownish wavy crosslines, which continue on the rear wings.

There are darker patches along the costal edge of the forewing, a paler white sub-marginal line and a chequered wing fringe.

As a result, they resemble dead, dried-up needles and are thus inconspicuous on their host trees and well protected from predators.

The caterpillars feed on Norway spruce and also other Pinophyta species, such as fir, European larch and Juniperus communis.

As with many Eupithecia species, a reliable determination by specialists should be made, and a genital morphological analysis is also recommended for a clear assignment.