Wingspan 14 to 15 mm. This is a small, inconspicuous species. The adults have elongated narrow forewings, which are a mix of sooty black and paler colour.

Most habitats where the larval foodplant is present.

They fly during July and August, sometimes earlier, and come to light.

The larvae feed on the catkins and leaves of Poplar and Willow.

Fairly common in England and Ireland. 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).