The duration of the first instar is about 1 to 5 days. When the first instars have doubled in size, they find a protected spot and molt. The second instars are slightly darker in color and the shape of their antennae has changed. When the second instars are ready to enter the pupal stage, they usually move into the soil or litter beneath the host plant. A single pupal stage follows after a molt.
Females are slightly longer than the males.
The body is dark brown except for the head, thorax, and last abdominal segment which is lighter in color. Legs are yellow, except for the mid and hind femora which are brown. There are two dark brown bands and a brown spot on the otherwise pale wings from which the common name is derived. Egg laying begins within two weeks of adult emergence. Females lay from 30 to 300 eggs during their lifetime depending on the species, individual, and abundance and quality of food.