Common in hedgerows throughout much of England and Wales. Reasonably common in south-east Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight, but elsewhere in the county distinctly uncommon. Wingspan 6.5-7.5 mm. Almost always recorded in the larval stage, when the mines are fairly easy to find where they are present, the adult can be separated from other similar Phyllonorycter species on external features only with great care. Larva mines leaves of Elm, over-wintering as a pupa in a cocoon.
The abundance in each month is indicated as follows:
No records Very occasional Irregular Uncommon Off-peak, but not unusual Off-peak, but not unusual Main flight time