Wingspan 14 to 18 mm. Acleris ferrugana is very similar to Acleris notana and both are equally variable. They can only be reliably separated by genitalia dissection. Where specimens have not been confirmed by this means they should be recorded as Acleris ferrugana/notana agg., although A.ferrugana often shows a small black tuft of scales at a quarter distance from the head.

The species inhabits woodland.

The adults fly in July and again in September and October, the second generation overwintering to reappear in spring.

The larvae feed mainly on oak in a spinning between leaves.

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

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).