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Actebia balanitis is a medium-size (3.6-4.0 cm wingspan) dull greyish-brown moth. The basal, antemedian and postmedian lines are complete, marked in black and scalloped outward at each vein. The orbicular and reniform spots are finely outlined with dark scales and filled with slightly paler ones; the reniform usually has the lower half filled with darker scales. The hindwings are dirty white, suffused with sooty-brown toward the outer margin, and the veins are lined with dark scales. The sexes are similar. Until recently Actebia balanitis was placed in the genus Protexarnis McD., which has been sunk to subgeneric status. Most likely to be confused with species of Euxoa, in particular E. messoria (Harris) and E. infausta (Walker). Females of balanitis have dorsoventrally flattened abdomens, while those of Euxoa species are cylindrical. Male messoria have biserrate antennae, balanitis simple.There are large differences in the male genitalic structures of the two genera, which can usually be observed without dissection. Perhaps the most useful character for separating balanitis from other similar appearing species is the characteristic silky, almost "brassy", sheen of the forewings of balanitis.

Northeast AK and western Yukon east to east central SK and north central SD, south to northern CO and west to central WA and the dry interior of BC (Lafontaine, 2004 fig. 26). It occurs throughout the grasslands and open montane of southern Alberta, north to at least Edmonton and the Cardinal Divide.