Local in Wales and southern England, north to Yorkshire. In Hampshire there are scattered records in both vice-counties. First recorded from the Isle of Wight in 2013. Wingspan 10-11 mm. A distinctive black and white gelechiid with three large subtriangular spots evenly spaced along costa, the basal edge of the first of these often extended into an oblique narrow transverse fascia which joins an elongate streak along dorsum almost to tornus (MBGBI Vol 4 part 2). Larva feeds within young shoots of Hazel.
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