Local in deciduous woodland throughout England, less numerous in the north. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight much less common than
S. ambigualis, but reported widely across the region. Wingspan 20-23 mm. This species is usually easy to recognise though some individuals are very close indeed to
S. ambigualis; in general,
S. basistrigalis is a little larger, broader-winged, with apex of forewing blunter, greyer, without ochreous hue, more heavily irrorate blackish and with fringe more strongly chequered [Goater]. Larva feeds on various mosses.