L. imperialis follows a hemimetabolous life cycle and will undergo a series of nymphal stages (instars) before maturing to an adult.

Lycorma imperialis and L. i. punicea are referred to as "lanternflies" or "lantern bugs" due to their crimson hindwings and their forewings, which can range from blue green to brick red.

L. imperialis can cause substantial damage to agricultural industries due to its specialized, sap sucking mouthparts and the resulting mold that develops from its honeydew excrement.

L. imperialis' abdomen is yellowish on the lateral sides with black and white bands separating the abdominal segments present on the top and bottom.

[7] The orange antennae attach below the eyes and are bulbous with thick bristles covering the outer segments.

[13] This means that L. imperialis experiences a series of incomplete metamorphoses that gradually change the body's structure over successive molts.

[14] L. imperialis will lay its eggs clusters coated in a waxy cuticle, during the late fall to early winter seasons.

L. imperialis, similar to other Fulgoridae planthoppers, will undergo a total of four instars before maturing to adults in mid summer.

[11] Adult L. imperialis have specialized mouthparts that pierce and suck sap from the stems and foliage of plants.

[4] L. imperialis is the only species in the Lycorma genus that is confirmed to be native to India, specifically the Assam, Darjiling, and Sikkim areas.