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The adults are easily recognized by the orange forewing with many silvery bars. There are distinct brown squared blotches along the costa in the postmedian and median area, along with variable smaller brown markings through the middle of the wing in the antemedian and median areas. The hindwings and most of the body is also orange. The larva is also distinct by its habits and colouration. Early instars are yellowish green with black legs, head, prothoracic shield, and anal shield. The later instars are bright orange with the same contrasting dark sclerotization and with sparse moderately long pale setae.

Eggs are laid in batches on the host plant near the ground. The larvae are found in groups of 30 to 200 individuals and make large messy webs containing large amounts of frass. The webs are made around the terminal shoots of the host, sometimes enveloping entire plants. Pupation occurs inside individual cells inside the shelter. Adults are not very active during the day and can be found resting on chokecherry foliage, but they frequent lights. (Razowski 1977; Chapman & Lienk 1971; MacKay 1962)

The larvae most commonly feed on the vigorous shoots of small Chokecherry (Prunus virginiana), and occasionally feed upon other members of the Rose family (Rosaceae), willow (Salix spp.), aspen (Populus spp.), and birch (Betula spp.). (Chapman & Lienk 1971; MacKay 1962; Freeman 1958)