Common in a wide range of habitats throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and fairly common, although true status remains uncertain owing to confusion with
E. scutulana, with which formerly treated as conspecific. Wingspan 12-20 mm. This species was until recently considered to be just a small form of
E. scutulana, which see. Larva feeds within stems of Marsh Thistle and Common Knapweed.