Each forewing has three slanted, dark bands. Hind wings are white with dark margins. Up to 1.7 inches long. Does not infest corn. Feed on foliage, vegetative buds, flower buds, and fruiting bodies.
Foliar damage is often insignificant.
Overwinter as pupae in the top 2-4 inches of soil. Adults emerge from late April to mid-May. Eggs hatch in 2-4 days and feed near the egg site. Then they move into the bud region of the plant and feed for about 3 weeks. Budworms pupate in the soil for about 2 weeks.