Local in woodland, gardens, orchards, parks and scrub throughout much of Britain and southern Ireland. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight recorded in small numbers from all three vice-counties, but recently only in southern Hampshire; it appears to be very local. Wingspan 10-14 mm. Distinguished from
G. funebrana by the greyish white labial palpi and frons and the comparatively uniform purplish fuscous general coloration of the forewing [Bradley]. Larva feeds within fruit of Dog-rose and Cultivated Rose, over-wintering in a cocoon.