The pupa is yellowish initially turning brown and then almost black just before the adult emerges. It measures about 8 mm long and 2 mm wide. The tip of the abdomen is marked by a row of six hooked spines. Pupal development time averages about nine to 10 days, with a range of seven to13 days. Moths are fairly small, measuring 17 to 22 mm in wingspan.
Sexual dimorphism is pronounced.
The forewing of the male moth is yellowish centrally, bordered by a broad dark band bearing purplish scales. In females, however, the entire forewing is dark, sometimes almost black, but also bearing reddish or purplish scales. The thorax is light in males, but dark in females. The hind wings of both sexes are transparent with a silvery tint. Adults are most active at night when the temperature exceeds 27 degrees C, relative humidity is high, and there is little air movement.