Hindwing is white with a diffuse dark median line, a black spot near the center, and varying amounts of pink at the wing base and along the inner margin. Young caterpillars are gregarious, with 3-5 caterpillars feeding together on the same pine needle.
Older caterpillars feed alone.
Two years are required to complete development. Some can remain in the pupal stage for up to 5 years before emerging as adults. One flight from July-September. Subspecies davisi feeds on pinyon pine, has a late flight, and may be a separate species. G5 - Demonstrably secure globally, though it may be quite rare in parts of its range, especially at the periphery.