It is found in Europe, China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, Inner Mongolia), the Korean Peninsula, Japan, Russia (Amur) and North America.

The species lacks striking patterns and is also quite variable in colour, thus it is not easy to determine.

The adults fly from April to July in the temperate parts of their range, such as Belgium and the Netherlands.

The caterpillars feed on oaks (Quercus), birches (Betula), spruces (Picea), ragworts (Senecio) and Rubus (brambles and allies).

Obsolete scientific names of this species are: Media related to Syndemis musculana at Wikimedia Commons