It was first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1759 and it is found throughout Europe and across the Palearctic east to Japan.

In the south and western Mediterranean it is found in Italy, the Balkans and the Black Sea region and the Caucasus.

A wide reddish-yellow transverse band is visible behind the outer cross line, beginning with a brownish red stain on the front edge and continuing on to the hindwings.

The forewings are slightly indented below the apex, the hindwings show a short tip in the middle.

[1] The caterpillars feed on coniferous trees such as Scots pine.They are green with pale stripes and thus resemble pine leaves.