Yellow stripes and blue spots are found along the sides. Reddish brown adult moths emerge from white cocoons in late June or early July. One generation occurs per year. In early spring, larvae begin feeding on aspen, blackgum, sweetgum, oak, birch, ash, maple, elm, and basswood. The larvae do not form a communal tent, rather individuals build small silken mats on the trunks of host trees which they use for resting cover.
Caterpillars have whitish keyhole-shaped markings down the middle of their backs.
Adults are small tan moths a little over 1.5 inches long. One generation occurs per year. Outbreaks can be severe, since natural enemy populations are often poorly developed. Small, black, hairy larvae hatch from egg masses in April and May and begin feeding on a wide variety of host trees. Preferred hosts, however, include oaks, apple, alder, basswood, hawthorn, aspen, and willow.