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In Alberta it occurs throughout much of the boreal forest, parklands and foothills region, but is apparently absent in most of the grasslands region. It frequents wetland edges and mesic meadows, flooded ditches, sedge meadows and fens.

A small (2.0-2.8 cm wingspan) robust furry stubby-winged noctuid moth. The forewings are light yellow brown or beige, dusted with darker scales. The antemedian and postmedian line are uncompelled marked by a line of black dots or short streaks between the veins. The amount of black scaling varies in specimens and often forms a dark line along the fold. Veins lined with paler scales and standing out against the darker ground. Hindwings paler than forewings, dusted with light grey mainly on the outer half, and with veins contrasting with the ground as in the forewings. Occasional specimens are entirely suffused with dark scales on the forewings. The small size, pale color and stubby appearance will help separate inquinata it from similar species.

This little moth is found in cool open mesic habitats such as sedge meadows and lakeshores. I have found it quite common in grassy ditches near wetlands, and have even had a few come to a trap in the backyard, on the edge of Fulton ravine in Edmonton