Wingspan 15 to 20 mm. One of the larger of the Coleophoridae, this species has a metallic green sheen to the forewings.

It occurs in areas of open waste ground and grassland.

On the wing in June and July. The adults fly in the daytime, but are also attracted to light at night.

The larvae feed on the seeds of Melilot.

Locally distributed in England and Wales, being commoner in the south. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

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