Neither sex has wings, the antennae are two thirds of the length of the body, and each of the cerci (paired appendages at the tip of the abdomen) has a single segment.

Its range extends from the Atlantic coast from Maine to Florida, as far west as California and northwards to North Dakota.

Early-stage nymphs are often found on American hazel (Corylus americana) and black cherry (Prunus serotina), but where these are scarce, they are likely to be on white oak (Quercus alba).

Adults are present in August and September in the northern part of the range, but because of their tendency to feed high in the canopy, the insects are seldom seen.

Egg-laying takes place about a week after mating and the eggs, measuring 2.5 mm (0.1 in) across, are dropped singly to the forest floor.