Winter is spent in the egg stage, with the exception of the spiny looper, which overwinters as a pupa beneath litter. The adult female moths of all four loopers are wingless, and, with the exception of the spiny looper, moths are active into the fall, when females may be seen crawling up the base of trunks. With the spiny looper, adults emerge and mate in the spring. These species of loopers are often found in association with each other. Parasites and disease are credited with keeping them in check, though periodic epidemics occur.
Urban trees appear to be especially susceptible to heavy feeding by some species of loopers.
Sticky bands around tree trunks will protect isolated trees by preventing females from crawling up to lay eggs. Insecticides, including Bacillus thuringiensis , are effective once larvae begin to feed on leaves. Drooz, A.T. 1985. Insects of Eastern Forests . USDA Forest Service Miscellaneous Publication 1426.