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.