Nationally scarce (Na) and restricted in Britain to alder carr and reed-beds in Hampshire and neighbouring counties. Almost exclusively coastal in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 10-11 mm. Differs from the less frequent C. zieglerella, C. schmidiella and C. orichalcea by the basal area on the forewing with four narrow longitudinal white lines (MBGBI Vol 4 part 1). Larva mines leaves of Common Reed.
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