It is found in the Palearctic realm (Europe, North Africa, Canary Islands, Middle East, South Russia, Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Turkey, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, north-west India, Novosibirsk, Central Asia, and in Denver (Colorado) ).

[1] It is a common species but not as abundant as its larger relative large yellow underwing (Noctua pronuba).

This species generally has the appearance of a smaller (wingspan 38–48 mm) version of the large yellow underwing Noctua pronuba.

The hindwings are orange-yellow with a broad black sub-terminal band and central discal lunule (usually absent in Noctua pronuba).

[2] [3] It flies at night from July to September [1] and is attracted to light and flowers such as heather, marram grass, and ragwort.