A not so common species throughout Belgium.

The larva lives mainly on Populus spp. but sometimes also on Salix. Hibernates as a small larva, communally in a silk web on the food plant. Later, it pupates in a hairy cocoon, usually in a bark crevice or among foliage on the food plant.

The adults fly in one generation a year; from mid May towards mid August. They come to light. Occasionally found by day, resting on the underside of leaves.