Wingspan 16–19 mm. The moth is a larger Gelechiid species that holds its wings flat at rest and it has a black and white, rather sooty appearance with a transverse pale fascia at three-quarters (if visible) often has a strong zig-zag style in the costal half.

The moths of these two species (A. blattariella and Anacampsis populella) are so variable that it is not possible to determine each moth with certainty based on its external appearance.
Species can only be determined through genital examination or breeding!

Male: The gnathos of of A.blattariella is noticeably less robust than that of Anacampsis populella, the uncus has broadly rounded lateral lobes with a studded central section produced a little posteriorly, but orientated more in the transverse than longitudinal axis and the valvae appear longer than those of Anacampsis populella.

Female: The crucial feature is in the shape of the posterior margin of the dorsal plate of S8 which is more conical with a distinct apical nipple.

The larva is pale greyish green with black warts, it has a black head and black prothoracic plate.

The larva lives in a leaf rolled longitudinally along the mid-rib which is anchored with silk strands and the ends of the roll are closed off. Pupation takes place in the larval feeding place.
The adult moths are nocturnal and during the day they rest, perfectly camouflaged, on the trunks of birch trees. Later they come to light.

In the past it was assumed that the larva lived monophagously on Betula, which is still the main food plant, but in the meantime it has also been found on Populus tremula and Alnus glutinosa.

In suitable localities like heathland, open forest and other locations where birch naturally establishes itself.