Nationally scarce (Nb) on roadside verges, limestone grassland and in dry open areas throughout much of Britain. On the Isle of Wight recorded once at Steephill in August 1976. In Hampshire there is just one record from the early 19th Century from Brockenhurst, with two specimens in J F Stephens's collection. Wingspan 14-17 mm. The most likely confusion species are
A. nanatella,
A. kuznetzovi, and small specimens of
A. subpropinquella, see all three species for a description of the differences. Larva mines leaves of Common Knapweed, Spear Thistle, Creeping Thistle and Burdock, subsequently living within a silken web.