Nationally scarce (Na) and declining on waste ground, grassland and farmland in central and south-eastern England. In Hampshire recorded only for the first time at Southsea on 24 August 2007, and subsequently encountered on an occasional basis at light in the Portsmouth area. Not recorded from the Isle of Wight to date. Wingspan 12-15.5 mm. Distinguished from the otherwise similar
C. salicorniae, and all other species, by the unusual structure on the first abdominal tergite (MBGBI Vol 3). Larva feeds within seedheads of Fat-hen, living within a movable case; case length 5-6 mm.