Nationally scarce (Nb) in marshes, river-banks and other damp areas throughout much of southern England, central Scotland and Ireland. In Hampshire local in fens and marshes, particularly in the Test valley. On the Isle of Wight, restricted to the extreme western corner. Wingspan male 22-26 mm, female 29-35 mm. The main confusion species is D. forficella, which see for differences. Larva feeds within stems of Common Reed, Reed Sweet-grass and Sedge.
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