This species is quite variable, though not confusable with any other sphingid of the Palearctic in its markings, the ground colour of the forewings being pinkish or buff, darker towards the tornus, marked with one or two dark green or brown blotches which are sometimes merged to form a continuous band across the middle of the forewing.

It exhibits sexual dimorphism, the male usually being smaller but more strongly marked than the female.

Usually, the forewing ground colour is brownish in females and decidedly green in males, but there are many exceptions.

Forms include This moth flies at night in May and June,[Note 1] and is attracted to light.

The larva is green with yellow and red markings along the side and a blue horn at the hind end, typical of the family.