Local in woodland on chalky soils throughout southern England. Fairly widely distributed across Hampshire, wherever the foodplant is found, but decidedly uncommon on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 26-33 mm. The distinctive attenuated resting posture is shared by a few other species of
Ypsolopha, and most closely resembles
Y. nemorella, which has a strong basal streak, lacking in
Y. nemorella. Larva feeds on Spindle, beneath a silken web.