Common in woodland edges and hedgerows throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 14-18 mm. Another small
Cnephasia about the size of
C. asseclana, from which distinguished by the weaker irroration in the forewing (not as pale as
C. genitalana). Can be determined with certainty only by dissection of the genitalia. Larva feeds on Greater Plantain, Ribwort Plantain, Common Sorrel, Sheep's Sorrel and similar, living within a spinning.