During early May adults emerge. Each female lays 500 to 600 eggs in small masses of 15 to 20 on the undersides of leaves. As many as 4 generations per year may be completed in some parts of N.C. Eggs of each generation are laid about mid-May, late June, late July and early September. Larvae have a wide host range, but prefer corn. Moths are pale yellow to light brown and the outer third of the wing is usually crossed by two dark, zigzag lines.
Males are smaller, more slender, and darker.
Mouth parts project from the head, and wings are swept back over the body.