Larval development varies in length with temperature and type of food material. Just before pupating, larvae leave the food source. Caterpillars can be found crawling on walls and ceilings searching for a place to spin a cocoon. Development from egg to adult takes from 27 to 305 days, and 7 or 8 generations can occur in a year. Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts.
Adults have siphoning mouths.
Caterpillars produce a loose silken mat on top surface of infested food material. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices.