Common in woodland and hedgerows throughout much of the British Isles, except in Scotland where it is rare. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 9-10 mm. Similar to
P. anglicella, which see. Rests on trunks and flies in the evening around the foodplant, but more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Hazel, subsequently living within a leaf-fold, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.