Common throughout much of England, less so in the west, and distinctly rare in Wales and Scotland. Probably under-recorded in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, where the extent of known records correlate with those areas in which the recording effort is concentrated. Wingspan 5.4-6 mm. Adults difficult to distinguish from other Stigmella species, and more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Black Poplar and Grey Poplar, over-wintering as a pupa.