Common in woodland throughout much of England and Wales. In Hampshire widespread but rarely common, although frequent in Botley Wood. Probably under-recorded elsewhere, none more so than on the Isle of Wight, where it was not recorded until 2013. Wingspan 18-24 mm. Weakly marked specimens, especially those with drab coloration, may be confused with forms of
Dark Fruit-tree Tortrix P. heparana, from which the male may be distinguished by the white head and the female by the presence of reddish ochreous suffusion in the apical area of the hindwing [Bradley]. Larva feeds on various deciduous trees and shrubs, living within a spun or rolled leaf.