The eggs of spring cankerworms hatch in a few weeks while the eggs of the fall cankerworm remain from November until March or April. Both species hatch from eggs in the spring when trees are just reaching budbreak and new foliage is expanding. Larvae feed on leaves for about 3 to 4 weeks before they drop to the ground on silken thread and pupate in the soil. Caterpillars may be blown in the wind to new locations when suspended on silken threads. Cankerworms remain in the soil as pupae until the adults emerge in the spring or fall depending on the species.
Caterpillars have chewing mouthparts.
Adults have siphoning mouths. Nearly any broad leaved tree or shrub could be attacked. Oak and elm trees are some of the more commonly attacked trees. Adult males may be seen with blacklights. Adult females may be found on tree trunks as they walk up the tree.