Common in open woodland and hedgerows throughout the British Isles, less numerous in the south. In Hampshire it has perhaps been under-recorded in the past, but not uncommon in the north-east of the county. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 10-13 mm. Main confusion species are
Apple Fruit Moth A. conjugella, which is generally more ochreous and marbled, and
A. spinosella, from which
A. semifusca distinguished only with certainty by dissection of the genitalia. Larva mines shoots of Rowan and, in the south of Britain, predominately Hawthorn.