Local in a wide range of habitats, including open woodland, chalk downland and sandhills, throughout the British Isles. In Hampshire uncommon, found only at a few sites, on downland at Leckford, and at Porton Down, Old Burghclere Lime Quarry, and Micheldever Spoil Heaps. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 15-19 mm. A distinctive species, having well-defined forewing markings which normally contrast with the silvery white ground colour. Larva polyphagous on the flowers and shoots of various herbaceous plants, living in a silk spinning.