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Larvae dark green or brown with brown to black head at maturity. Pupa dark, reddish brown and usually found in folded leaves. Adults brownish red with darker, oblique band across center of forewing (Furniss & Carolin 1977). Wingspread approx 25 mm. Hind wing light in color with fringe along posterior edge.

Adults emerge in mid to late June and eggs are laid shortly thereafter. Larvae emerge in approximately 2 weeks and typically disperse on silken threads. Larvae start feeding and then either enter diapause in a sheltered place in second or third instar or continue development for a second generation. If second generation is produced, the larvae enter diapause and hibernate in second or third instar. Larvae emerge after leaf-flush in the spring and start feeding again. On fruit trees, the larvae feed on floral parts within bud clusters, continue feeding on flowers during bloom, and eventually feed on fruit and expanding leaves. Larvae typically pupate after sixth larval instar. Populations vary from mostly producing one generation per year in northern climates to mostly producing two generations per year in southern, warmer climates (EPPO 2004, Hunter & McNeil 1997, Hunter & McNeil 2000).

Polyphagous, but prefers hosts from the Rosaceae family. It is considered a pest in apple, pear, and peach orchards. It also occurs on soft fruits such as blueberries and raspberries, on ornamental shrubs, on a wide variety of other deciduous tree species (EPPO 2004), and has occasionally been found feeding on pines (Otvos 1991).