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A medium-size (3.6- 4.3 cm wingspan) mottled red-brown and grey-brown moth. The antemedian and postmedian lines are marked in black, the latter "toothed" outward at each vein. The basal area and in particular the lower median area mahogany red. The orbicular spot is a large oval similar in color to the ground and often difficult to see. The most prominent markings are the white reniform spot and a larger and less defined white patch in the anal angle beyond the postmedian line. The subterminal line is an incomplete, sinuous line of pale scales. The hindwings are sooty brown or grey, darker on the outer half, with a faint dark discal spot and two narrow darker bands. Sexes similar, but females usually somewhat darker. Male antennae bipectinate; female simple. The larvae is orange-tan to grey-green with the dorsum darker than the venter and an off white lateral line, and is illustrated in color in Miller and Hammond, 2003.

Larvae feed on various deciduous trees and shrubs, including alder (Alnus), willow (Salix), cottonwood (Populus), white birch (Betula papyrifera) and buffaloberry (Shepherdia) (Prentice, 1962). Also red alder (Alnus rubra), Rhododendron, and red blueberry (Vaccinium parviflorum) (Miller and Hammond, 2003).

Transcontinental (Newfoundland to Vancouver Island) in the southern boreal forest and mountains; south in the east to Kentucky and Missouri. In Alberta it has been collected in the boreal forest and foothills, north to about Slave Lake and south to Calgary. Probably more widespread, but poorly sampled due to the late flight date.