Local in fens, open woodland and hedgerows throughout much of south-eastern England, and in Yorkshire, Cumbria and on the Burren. In Hampshire it is found in boggy areas, where the foodplant is Alder Buckthorn, and on the chalk, where the larva is associated with Buckthorn. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight since 1975. Wingspan 7-8 mm. Larva mines leaves of Buckthorn and Alder Buckthorn, over-wintering as a pupa.
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