Common in woodland, downland and acid grassland throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widely distributed but not particularly common. Wingspan 13-19 mm. The male may be distinguished by the paler basal area of the forewing and the pale buff head and labial palpi, the female somewhat resembles an obscurely marked Cnephasia but differs in having the forewing distinctly buff-coloured [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Hornbeam, Alder, Rowan, Raspberry and Bilberry, living within a spun or rolled leaf, and over-wintering as a pupa.