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A small (approx. 2 cm wingspan) broad-winged moth. The forewings are rusty-orange in the basal area, with a broad charcoal median band. Median band may be dark red-brown in some specimens. The postmedian band bordering the distal side of the median band is usually light tan or whitish along the lower half, and dark red-brown on the upper half, ending in a dark brown or black blotch at the costa. Subterminal area mottled light brown with a characteristic doubled black spot in the upper half, which is the basis of the common name of "twin-spot". The hindwings are pale tan with a small dark discal mark, darkened by a series of diffuse parallel wavy brown lines. Sexes similar, but male antennae bipectinae, female simple. The species is quite variable in appearance.

Adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood in Alberta, with adults from mid-May through July. Reported larval hosts include a wide range of low plants, including chickweed, ground ivy, and Polygonum sp. (Covell, 1984); dandelion, Glecoma sp., Amoracea, Stellaria, Galium, Circium, Plantago and others (Handfield, 1999).

Adults are nocturnal and come to light. There is a single brood in Alberta, with adults from mid-May through July. Reported larval hosts include a wide range of low plants, including chickweed, ground ivy, and Polygonum sp. (Covell, 1984); dandelion, Glecoma sp., Amoracea, Stellaria, Galium, Circium, Plantago and others

Holarctic. In North America found from NL west across the wooded parts of Canada to BC, north to YT and NWT, south in the east to VA. In Alberta found throughout the wooded parts of the province, but apparently absent from the grasslands region and much of the mountains. It occurs in open woods, edges and clearings.

The nominate subspecies is Palaearctic, and is known in Britain as the Dark-barred Twin-spot Carpet. There are several subspecific names available for North American populations, but it is not clear which names(s) might apply to Alberta populations.