Wingspan 11 to 13 mm.

This species inhabits woodland and dry grassy areas.

The nocturnal adults fly in July and August.

The larvae feed internally in the stems and shoots of St. John's-wort (Hypericum spp.) and pupate in a case usually made from part of a leaf.

Distributed widely in England, Wales, southern Scotland and parts of Ireland. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local.

It appears to be uncommon in Leicestershire and Rutland, where there are few records. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).