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This large and fairly robust geometrid moth mimics wilted leaves with its jagged rust and brown wings. Ground colour pale-tan, with brighter rust shades at the wing margins and a pinkish white shade along the forewing costa; three dark brown transverse lines. Slightly larger and paler than the very similar S. alciphearia; kentaria has a more jagged postmedian (PM) line on both wings (best seen on the underside). The forewing PM line in kentaria has a more pronounced indentation midway, and the hindwing PM line is more irregular and slightly curved outwardly (straight or nearly so in alciphearia). The enitalia of some specimens must be examined for positive identification (see McGuffin, 1987).

Several hardwood trees are the reported larval hosts (Prentice 1963, Wagner et al. 2001); of these, birch (Betula) is the only species native to Alberta. May feed on cherry (Prunus spp.) in the east-central part of the province.