Common in birch woodland and on heathland throughout much of Britain, more frequently in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 18-23 mm. The nominate and other fasciate forms of
E. brunnichana may be confused with some forms of
E. solandriana but can be distinguished by the shape of the dorsal blotch of ground colour which is subquadrate in
E. brunnichana and not triangular as in
E. solandriana; in
E. brunnichana the outer edge of the subbasal fascia is less oblique dorsally [Bradley]. Larva feeds on Birch, Hazel and Sallow, living within a spun or rolled leaf.