The wingspan is 14–18 mm. The forewings are suboblong,
pale ochreous to deep reddish-ochreous, darker-strigulated, sometimes strewn with blackish dots; tufts slight; two costal spots before and beyond middle and one in middle of disc grey, brownish, red-brown, or blackish. Hindwings whitish-grey, towards apex darker or grey-strigulated.The larva is pale green; dorsal line darker; head black or brown, plate of 2 more or less black.[5]
It is a very variable species. Some forms are very similar to Acleris notana and the two can only separated by examination of the genitalia.[6] Julius von Kennel provides a full description.[7]
Adults are on wing in July and again in September and October. The second generation overwinters and reappears in spring.[8]
^Meyrick, E., 1895 A Handbook of British Lepidoptera MacMillan, London pdf This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain. Keys and description
^Bradley, J.D.; Tremewan, W.G.; Smith, A. 1973 British Tortricoid Moths [Vols 1+2] Ray Society 1973-1979, London.
