Local on heathland, moorland and mosses throughout much of the British Isles, but not in northern Scotland. In Hampshire Local and rather uncommon, usually on damp heathland amongst young birches. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 15-20 mm. Similar to
A. geminana but a generally larger species and differs in having a well-developed pre-tornal marking which is confluent with the median fascia [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Bell Heather, Cross-leaved Heath and Birch, living within a spun or rolled leaf, over-wintering in a cocoon.