Common on heathland, waste ground, roadside verges and woodland clearings throughout the British Isles. Rather common and widely distributed on the Isle of Wight and in southern Hampshire, but decidedly scarce in the north of the county. Wingspan 7-11 mm. Could be confused with
M. locupletella, but lacks that species contrasting dark and light patches at base of forewing. Larva mines leaves of Rosebay Willowherb, over-wintering as a pupa.