The males of this species have noticeably whitish hindwings which help distinguish it from similar species but the females have darker hindwings and are more difficult. Adults of this and several similar Endothenia species require dissection of the genitalia for accurate identification.

Found in a variety of open and wooded habitats.

The adults fly from late May into August.

The larvae feed from September to June in the seed heads of Betony, Teasel, Hemp-nettles and Ribwort Plantain.

It is distributed throughout much of the British Isles, being common in some places. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant)