Is is now found throughout all northeastern states and bordering areas of eastern Canada. Spot infestations have been found in the midwest and far west. 2-inch female moth is white with a yellow to buff abdomen and irregular blackish bands on the forewings. The smaller, mottled, brown and black male moth is an active day flier searching for females.
Older egg masses bleach out from weathering.
The spherical eggs feel like birdshot. There are five pairs of blue spots followed by six pairs of red spots along the back. These spots clearly distinguish the GM from other defoloating insects. The head capsule is black and gold. The eggs overwinter.