Olive trees in particular are very susceptible and can be killed by the larvae burrowing within them.

[4] This species can be found primarily in Europe (excluding Ireland)[5] but also in northern Africa (Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco) and Asia (Taiwan, India, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Korea, Lebanon, Sri Lanka, Syria, Turkey).

It was introduced into the northeastern United States prior to 1879 and has a range including Maine, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.

Hindwings are translucent, except in the anal area, with small black spots.

In addition to the dimensions, the two sexes differ in the shape of the antennae, thinner in the female, while in the male they are markedly bipectinate, with the exception of terminals articles.