Nationally scarce (Nb) in waste ground, heaths, embankments and urban areas in parts of southern England, northwards to the Scottish border. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded on just a handful of occasions, in Farnborough in 1995 and Mortimer in 2004, Bouldnor Wood in 1998 and Bleak Down in 2007. Wingspan 9-13 mm. Similar to
M. subbistrigella, from which it is distinguished by its larger size, by the ferruginous streaks in the centre of the forewing and by the distinct white streaks on the costa of the apical area (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). Larva mines stems of Rosebay Willowherb, forming galls.