Common in woodland throughout much of southern England. Reasonably well distributed across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 18-22 mm. The very large coarse-scaled tuft situated towards the end of the discal cell on the forewing is peculiar to A. cristana, and is present in most forms, readily distinguishing this species from others in the genus Acleris [Bradley]. Larva feeds on various herbaceous trees and shrubs, including Blackthorn, Hawthorn, Beech, Oak, Birch, Hazel, Lime and Elm, living within a spun or rolled leaf.