Local in marshes, river-banks and other damp areas throughout much of southern England, with records north to Yorkshire, and in Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common throughout. Wingspan 25-30 mm. In
D. mucronellus the costal stripe is sharply demarcated from dark subcostal streak and apical streak is wanting [Goater]. Larva feeds within stems of Common Reed, Reed Sweet-grass and Sedge, cutting part of a leaf to use as a raft to float to a new foodplant.