Local on chalk downland, woodland on chalky soils and sand-dunes throughout much of southern England and southern Wales, with records north to Cheshire. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight taken occasionally at light, mostly in a band from Romsey in the west to Southsea in the east, perhaps overlooked elsewhere. Wingspan 12-16 mm. Distinguished from
C. dubitana and
C. atricapitana by the white thorax [Bradley]. Larva feeds within seedheads of Bristly Oxtongue, Hawkweed Oxtongue, several species of Hawk's-beard, over-wintering in a cocoon.