Wingspan 13–16 mm. Forewing ground colour ivory to dark grey with conspicuous reticulation, especially distally. A distinct pale spot at tornus. Head pale yellowish-brown. Antennae males 3 times and female 2 times as long as forewing.

Greyish white skin; the former 6–7 abdominal segments reddish-brown; head black, thoracic plates darb brown.

8–10 mm, constructed from 4 to 6 crescent-like plant particles.

Details about the oviposition and the early larval stages are still unknown. Cases found during autumn containing less than five crescents contain caterpillars that will hibernate and will continue feeding for a second year. Cases with five or sex crescents contain fully-grown larvae that will hibernate in the larval stage and pupate in springtime without further feeding.
The adult moths are active in late afternoon sunshine and at dusk. They come to light.

The larva lives on detritus, but also on fresh leaves of lower plants, like Vaccinium myrtillus. It also has been observed feeding on the needles of pine trees.

Mixed forests or pure pine forests with mainly Abies alba or Picea abies, mainly in cool habitats.