Local in saltmarshes throughout the British Isles, except for northern Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 22-30 mm. Can be confused only with certain forms of
A. tristella, which has a distinct facial cone, besides having traces of a subterminal line and yellow or creamy, never white, median longitudinal streak, and termen more rounded, less square than in
A. selasella [Goater]. Larva feeds on stems and leaves of Common Saltmarsh-grass and Sheep's-fescue, living within a silken gallery.