Common in a wide variety of habitats, including woodland and gardens, throughout Britain. Wingspan 18-23 mm. Very difficult to distinguish from E. murana, a very much rarer species which has, to 2008, yet to be recorded reliably in Hampshire or the Isle of Wight, but which has a less markedly zigzag postmedian line; can also be confused with Scoparia ambigualis, which see. Larva feeds on various mosses.
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