Wingspan 8 to 9 mm. Can be reliably separated from other similar Elachista species only by dissection of the genitalia.

Wet and boggy areas where sedges (especially Carex species) are found.

July and August.

Larva mines the leaves of various sedges especially certain Carex species. The mines are usually visible from March to May.

Widespread but uncommon. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as Nationally Scarce B.

Rare in Leicestershire and Rutland, the record for 2013 being the first in VC55. L&R Moth Group status = D (rare or rarely recorded).