Wingspan 12 to15 mm. This species has a whitish thorax when fresh, which can be used to separate it from similar Cochylis species.

Usually found in chalky districts.

Flying in July and August, the moths are on the wing from dusk onwards.

The larvae feed within the seedheads of ox-tongue or hawk's-beard.

Occurring mainly in southern England north to Cheshire and in Wales. In the Butterfly Conservation’s Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as local, but may be becoming more common.

Occasional in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = C (very scarce resident or rare migrant).