One generation a year occurs in the north, but two or more in the southern United States, so mature caterpillars may be found from May to November.

[1] The larva is flattened and ovoid in outline, with a short, squared off "tail".

Their presence can be determined before emergence by a black spot formed by the breathing siphon of the fly.

This species pupates in a cup-shaped cocoon with a circular escape hatch.

[1] This moth eats a variety of deciduous trees and shrubs, such as apple, beech, birch, blueberry, cherry, chestnut, hickory, honey locust, hornbeam, linden, maple, oak, and willow.