Local on well-wooded heathland throughout much of the British Isles. In Hampshire restricted mainly to Botley Wood, Havant Thicket and the north-eastern heaths, with scattered records elsewhere. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 3.4-4.6 mm. Adults difficult to distinguish from other Stigmella species, and more frequently recorded in the larval stage, when mines are relatively easy to find where they are present. Larva mines leaves of Silver and Downy Birch, over-wintering as a pupa.
In the Scottish Highlands, f. nanivora, considered by some authorities to be a separate species, mines Dwarf Birch.

Flightime guide
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