Wingspan 12 to 16 mm. Although quite variable in intensity, this species generally has a distinguishing pale square blotch on the dorsum visible at rest, often inwardly edged darker, and with a single dark spot beyond. It can resemble E. immundana, which however usually shows a rather more triangular pale patch, and is generally darker overall.

Woodland and other well wooded areas.

The adults fly in April and May.

The larvae bore into a stem of Birch or Alder and then feed within a folded leaf.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain. In the Butterfly Conservation's Microlepidoptera Report 2011 this species was classified as common.

Fairly frequent but not common in Leicestershire and Rutland. L&R Moth Group status = B (scarce resident or restricted distribution or regular migrant).