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The adult is highly variable in wing pattern. Most commonly it is heavily mottled with brown to orange. The darkest markings are normally in the basal patch, slanted median band, and postmedian blotch that can extend to the anal angle. Distinctive bright yellow to cream squares are often present on the costa between the darker bands. The hindwings are typically dark grey with a lighter fringe. Males have a costal fold that extends to or barely past the basal patch. The larva is green with scattered pale warts and fine setae. The prothoracic shield is dirty green with variable amounts of black or dark brown laterally and the head is shiny dark or light brown. The larva can not be reliably separated from Choristoneura rosaceana and is closely similar to several other common tortricid species. (Chapman & Lienk 1971; Mackay 1962)

The eggs are laid in oval batches of 20-100 eggs on the twigs or bark of the host tree. The first instar larvae often spin strands of silk and under ideal wind conditions can disperse to other areas. Larvae construct leaf-rolls where they emerge from to feed and when disturbed the larvae either retreat or suspend down on a line of silk. Populations are highly cyclical and can this species can become a pest in orchards. (Chapman & Lienk 1971; Razowski 1977; Kruse & Sperling 2001)

The larvae feed on the foliage and fruit of a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs and occasionally forbs. It can be a serious pest in apple, pear, cherry, plum, peach, apricot, and citrus orchards. (Chapman & Lienk 1971; Kruse & Sperling 2001; Razowski 1977; Freeman 1958; Forbes 1923)