Local in hedgerows and open woodland, on calcareous soils, south of a line from the Severn estuary to The Wash. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight frequent on the chalk. Wingspan 8-9 mm. Adult can be separated from other Phyllonorycter species on external features only with great care, and most frequently recorded as leaf mine. Larva mines leaves of Wayfaring-tree and Guelder-rose.
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