Wingspan 21 to 23 mm.

Various habitats.

The adults fly in June and July.

The larvae feed internally in the cones of Norway Spruce, Sitka Spruce and Noble Fir.

A scarce species, once resident in a range of scattered locations throughout Britain, but apparently dying out in the early part of the 20th century. Since then it has been rediscovered in parts of England Wales and Scotland. The species is also an immigrant, which may explain the re-occurrence. In a recent survey to determine the status of all macro moths in Britain 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).