Common in dry open areas and grassland throughout much of the British Isles; rare in Scotland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight widespread and common. Wingspan 15-22 mm. Large specimens of this species may be confused with
E. cana but can be distinguished by the darker ground colour of the forewing which lacks longitudinal striations [Bradley]. Formerly conspecific with
E. parvulana and
E. fulvana, which see. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Common Knapweed.