Common in hedgerows and scrubland throughout much of the British Isles, as far north as Perthshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common especially in the south-east, but largely absent from the New Forest. Wingspan 6.5-7.5 mm. Similar to
P. cerasicolella, from which separated only by dissection of the genitalia. Imago rarely recorded at light, and more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Blackthorn and Wild Plum.