The second and third thoracic segments each bear two long and two shorter orange, black-tipped scoli. Abdominal segments each have four short, black scoli, and segments 2 to 8 have a pale, oblique lateral stripe. Although the larva has a fierce appearance, it is harmless. The regal moth typically has only a single generation per year, although a few late collection records suggest the possibility of a small second brood in the deep south. In Florida adults have been collected in May, but are more common during the summer.
Adults have vestigial mouthparts.
Adults mate during the second evening after emergence and begin oviposition at dusk of the third evening. Eggs hatch in six to 10 days, and the duration of the larval stage is about 35 days. Larvae have been reported from a variety of host tree species. In central Florida, larvae are usually found from late July to mid-August while they are wandering on the ground searching for a suitable location to burrow into the soil for pupation. The pupa is the overwintering stage.