It is (under the invalid name Tinea ferruginella) the type species of Blabophanes, today treated as a junior synonym of the genus Monopis.

But it is apparently still a rather Continental species, as it seems absent from major Mediterranean islands and Iceland, and on Great Britain occurs mainly in the south, towards the English Channel.

On the wing around May to October (depending on the location), they are nocturnal but may fly around in daytime or be attracted to light occasionally.

The hindwings are a lighter greyish brown with minute black speckles; they are surrounded by a long-haired fringe, as usual for fungus moths and relatives.

They have been recorded from bird of prey pellets, horn shavings, wool (particularly if left outside to decay) and rotting wood.