Local in woodland, marshes, river-banks and by ditches in the southern half of England and Wales. Fairly widely distributed in Hampshire, but recorded only once on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 18-22 mm. Differs from
A. betuletana by its somewhat broader forewing, the costa being more strongly arched; further distinguished by the slightly concave outer edge of the median fascia and its hook-like indentation at the middle and the generally more strongly dilated and black-dotted subterminal fascia [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Goat Willow, living between leaves spun together with silk.