Rare (proposed as a future Red Data Book species) in a wide range of habitats, including sea cliffs, damp meadows, limestone pavements and grassland; widely but thinly distributed in scattered localities in the north and south of Britain. In Hampshire recorded for the first time at Horsea Island on 21 July 2006, where it was again seen in 2013. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 8-13 mm. Main confusion species are
E. atrella and
Aproaerema anthyllidella, from which difficult to separate on external characteristics. Larva feeds within stems of Slender St John's-wort.