This species can be distinguished from C. coniferana by the narrow, transverse, metallic-blue band on forewing.

The moths fly in the late morning, afternoon and sunset, keeping to the tops of trees.

The larvae bore into a young cone of pine, especially Scots pine (P. sylvestris) and feeds internally on the seeds.

Established pine forests.

Recorded in 2 (0.7%) of the 270 2km squares of Huntingdonshire.

Last recorded in May 2010

Recorded date range (Adult): 23 May to 07 June