Common in woodland, marshes and on hillsides throughout the British Isles, more numerous in England. Records are not common but widespread in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 4.5-6 mm. The larva mines leaves of Bramble and Dewberry, and these can be very similar to that of S. aurella; vacated mines in particular should be treated with caution.
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