Local on waste ground, grassland and roadside verges throughout S. England and S. Wales. In Hampshire recorded fairly frequently only in the south-east, but the true distribution poorly known due to confusion with other related species. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight since 1900. Wingspan 10.5-12.5 mm. Day-flying, but comes to light, although less frequently than other related species. Can be separated from
C. alcyonipennella and
C. frischella only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds within seedheads of Red Clover, living within a movable case; case length 6 mm.