This moth is very variable in colour. It is the most common of Coleophorid species found in the UK.

The indistinct rings near the tip of the antenna distinguish it from C. gryphipennella although genital examination is usually necessary for a definitive identification.

The larvae mine the leaves of the foodplant and then form a case which is fixed at an angle between twigs for the winter.

Pupates inside the larval case on the upper side of a leaf.