Very rare immigrant (less than 10 previous UK records) to south-eastern England from mainland Europe. Not recorded in Hampshire or on the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 22-24 mm. The most likely confusion species is
S. adelphella, which has a paler, greyish ground-colour, the antemedian and postmedian lines contrasting more strongly, thereby giving the appearance of a paler, more variegated moth [Goater]. Larva feeds on Aspen and White Poplar, no evidence of breeding in the UK.