This species is distinguished from most other carpets by its outer edge of dull black and the dark grey central cross-band on the forewing, which has a pronounced, quite pointed, tooth-like projection, and is generally less irregular.

The spring generation is quite pale, with a whitish cross-band beyond the central one. It is tinged with brown and with noticeably brown banding near the base of the forewing. The summer generation is generally darker, without the white band.

Pupates in moss or leaf litter.