The wingspan is 17–18 mm.[2] The mid brown (darker than other Nematopogon) forewing is reticulated.It may resemble Nematopogon robertellus, but is often slightly larger and darker. To certainly determine the species of the genus Nematopogon dissection and study of the genitalia is necessary. The antennae are wire-shaped and yellowish, in the male about two and a half times as long as the forewing, in the female about twice as long. The head is clasped with yellow, protruding, hair-like shells. The forewing is dark grey-brown, in the outer part with a clear mesh pattern. The hindwing is grey.
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A moorland and wooded heathland species especially around Vaccinium myrtillus. The larvae feed on dead leaves. They live within a movable case.
^Langmaid, J. R., Palmer, S. M. & Young, M. R. [eds]. 2018 A Field Guide to the Smaller Moths of Great Britain and Ireland [3rd ed.]Reading, Berkshire. British Entomological and Natural History Society
^Sterling, P. and Parsons,M. 2012 Field Guide to the Micro Moths of Great Britain and Ireland Dorset British Wildlife Publishing, 2012
ISBN 10: 0956490212 / ISBN 13: 9780956490216 - 2nd edition (Bloomsbury Wildlife Guides)
^ Zagulajev, A.K., 1987 Adelidae ; in G.S. Medvedev (ed.): Keys to the insects of the europaean part of the USSR, Vol.IV: Lepidoptera, part 1 (english translation), Oxonian Press Pvt.Ltd., New Dehli, 1987
