Common in dry open areas and grassland throughout much of the British Isles; rare in Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 15-22 mm. Large specimens of this species may be confused with E. cana but can be distinguished by the darker ground colour of the forewing which lacks longitudinal striations [Bradley]. Formerly conspecific with E. parvulana and E. fulvana, which see. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Common Knapweed.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records
Very occasional
Irregular
Uncommon
Off-peak, but not unusual
Off-peak, but not unusual
Main flight time