Wingspan around 10 mm. This species requires identification by genitalia dissection.

Occupies a range of grassy habitats.

Adult moths are on the wing from May to July in the south, in two overlapping broods, and July in the north, as a single brood.

The larvae feed on a number of different grass species, creating a whitish gallery or blotch, extending from the leaf tip downwards.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).