[6] Pupae are about 10 mm (0.39 in), are found in white to brownish silken cocoons, and are a "shining mahogany brown".

[3] The adults only live for about a week,[2] during which time the ovoid, gold-colored eggs are laid singly on the bark in small cracks or depressions.

[3][6] Reddish sawdust-like frass, which larvae expel from tunnels, accumulates in branch crotches or on the ground below the infested area.

[3] The outer bark surface over the tunnels becomes roughened after repeated infestations and may produce wet ooze.

[3] Larval galleries are most often around the base and the lower trunk of the tree, but may be found in branches up to 9 m (30 ft) above the ground.

[6] The ceanothus clearwing, Synanthedon mellinipennis, overlaps somewhat in range[3] and uses a similar catalog of host plants.

[9] According to the University of California Integrated Pest Management program, "Sycamores tolerate extensive boring by this insect, and generally no control is recommended.