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A medium-sized moth (4.0-4.5 cm wingspan). It occurs in two very different appearing forms, with the dark form by far the less common of the two. The more common "normal" form has pink-white patches at the base, midpoint along the costa and at the apex, and a coppery brown spot at the anal angle. The hindwings are brown with an indistinct discal mark. The less common form (pennsylvanica) is much darker, blackish near the wing base, and entirely lacks the pink-white patches. The outline of the apical patch is visible, as is the coppery-brown spot at the anal angle. The most prominent marking is the short black line on the lower edge of the apical patch. Antennae are filiform and the sexes are similar. The normal form is unlikely to be mistaken for any other Alberta moth.

Across southern Canada from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island, and south to the Gulf of Mexico. In Alberta it has been collected in the aspen parklands, the southern boreal forest (north to Lac la Biche), and in the foothills and at lower elevations in the mountains.