When the moths are resting, the wings are rolled and placed close to the body, so that the insect looks almost tubular.

[citation needed] This species may be found in almost the whole of Europe from the river lowlands to the deciduous forest border in alluvial forests, on stream banks with bushes and trees as well as in gardens and parks.

Population sizes fluctuate over the years, but mass outbreaks that lead to the devouring of all the foliage on the tree are not uncommon.

The larvae feed until the end of May or early June and then pupate in tightly packed communal webs on the trunk or among the herbaceous plants below.

[2] The adult insects are nocturnal and their flight time ranges from July to August.