[2] Initially described in the Netherlands from plants imported from Japan, it is found throughout Europe and has also been introduced to New Zealand and eastern Australia.

In the United States the species can be found from Florida to Texas, and as far north as Long Island, West Virginia, and the Ohio Valley.

[5] The type locality is from Boskoop, Netherlands, and was described in 1913, from moths reared on Azalea indica, a cultivar of Rhododendron indicum, which was imported from Japan.

[6] Caloptilia azaleella deposits its eggs on azalea (Rhododendron spp) plants, under leaves near the midrib.

[6] When mature a pale-brown pupa is formed in a white, membranous silken cocoon spun beneath a leaf and the moths can mate a week later.