A distinctive species with a wingspan of 14 to 21 mm.. It has a combination of chestnut and silvery-grey forewings, and orange head and labial palps. 

This species is rare in our area so a good photograph is required to support your record.

Areas with Scots Pine

On the wing during May and June

The larvae feed inside the buds and shoots of Scots Pine and occasionally other pine species.

Infrequent and local in distribution. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

Rare in VC55 (Leicestershire and Rutland). The Sapcote record of 30th April 2025 is the first for VC55.