Distribution and status poorly known owing to confusion with hohenwartiana, it is likely that it will be found in dry open areas wherever the foodplant grows. Formerly regarded as a diminutive form of E. hohenwartiana, and distinguishable from this species with certainty only on the basis of the larval foodplant (Common Knapweed in E. hohenwartiana and Saw-wort in E. parvulana). In Hampshire known from Leckford and Botley Wood. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight since 1880. Wingspan 14-19 mm. On average smaller (although small specimens of hohenwartiana also occur), and the forewings are more uniformly coloured - strongly contrasted specimens are more likely to be hohenwartiana. No reliable distinguishing genitalic feature has been determined. Larva feeds within flowerheads of Saw-wort.

Flightime guide
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