It is found in the Palearctic realm (Europe except for the furthest south, and east to Central Asia, Korea, and Japan).

The moth is similar to the pink-barred sallow (Xanthia togata) but the median fascia usually differs.

In some cases it is missing completely, in others the wings show a very small annular spot.

Forewing pale yellow; markings the same as in Xanthia togata, but the cloud on costa beyond submarginal line, the costal end of the median shade, and the subbasal costal blotch prominently dark brown; the dark blotch at base of reniform with a pale centre; the fringe yellow; head and shoulders pale yellow; hindwing whitish; — flavescens Esp.

from the Sir Daria, has more orange yellow forewings, with dark brown markings, the antemedian and postmedian costal patches absent; the fringe dark brown at tips.