The forewings are black with numerous light yellow spots.

The hindwings are variable in pattern, but are most commonly orange with broad irregular black bands.

The larvae feed on a wide range of herbaceous plants.

These hairs are orange at the head and tail and black in the central part.

[3] This species was formerly a member of the genus Platyprepia, but was moved to Arctia along with the species of the genera Acerbia, Pararctia, Parasemia, and Platarctia.