Common in woodland, heathland, marshes and river-banks throughout the British Isles. Widespread and common in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. Wingspan 12-15 mm. Similar to E. tetraquetrana but generally smaller and with darker coloration, and in E. immundana the basal patch of the forewing is acutely angulated medially, whereas in E. tetraquetrana the angle is obtuse [Bradley]. Larva feeds within catkins of Alder and Birch.
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