Common in open woodland and scrub throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire recorded annually in small numbers from widely scattered locations across the county. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight since 1977. Wingspan 13-16 mm. The main confusion species is
C. alburnella, which is generally a much lighter species, except in Scotland where dark forms predominate, and from which reliably distinguished by outer side of second segment of labial palpus, which is spotted fuscous at base in
C. proximella (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2); see also
C. decorella. Larva feeds on Birch and Alder, living within a spun or rolled leaf, and over-wintering as a pupa.