Wingspan 10 to 13 mm. An attractively-marked species with noticeably pale labial palps.

Occupying woodland where its foodplant, Norway spruce (Picea abies) occurs.

The moths fly in May and June and are attracted to light.

The larvae feed among the needles, mining when small, and later in an untidy spinning.

The species is fairly common throughout the British Isles in those areas where its foodplant, Norway spruce (Picea abies) occurs. 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).