Common on damp heathland, mosses, fens, marshes, river-banks and other damp areas throughout the British Isles, more numerous in the south-east. In Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight frequent in the New Forest, but otherwise rather local and uncommon. Wingspan 20-26mm. The main confusion species, which all lack the fine white subterminal line at tip of white stripe, are C. speculalis, C. permutatella and C. osthelderi [Goater]. Larva feeds within roots of grasses such as Cotton-sedge and Tufted Hair-grass.

Flightime guide
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