Wingspan 11 to 23 mm. These 3 species are very similar, and care is needed with identification.  If the specimen has not been confirmed by dissection of genitalia, please record it to this aggregate page.

If the specimen has not been confirmed by dissection of genitalia, please record it to this aggregate page.

Inhabiting dry, open and grassy areas.

A single-brooded species with a flight period from June to August.

The larvae feed inside the flowerheads of knapweed and saw-wort.

Fairly common species over most of Britain except for parts of Scotland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 the 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).