Wingspan 10 to15 mm. This is a quite well-marked species.

Areas where Spruce is present.

The adults are found during May, flying in the afternoon in their chosen habitat (around Spruce), but they also come to light.

The larvae feed in the cones of Norway Spruce (Picea abies), feeding on the seeds themselves.

Locally distributed in the southern half of England, and in parts of Scotland and Wales, but scarce in between. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

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