Local in woodland and on heathland and hillsides throughout much of England, Wales and southern Ireland. In Hampshire widely distributed in the south of the county, notably in the New Forest and in and around Wickham Common; more thinly distributed in the north, where known from Harewood, Pamber and Woolmer Forests; one from the Isle of Wight in 2013 was the first for 80 years. Wingspan 10-12 mm. Larva feeds within stems of Bracken.
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