A drab brown and red-brown moth, about 2 inches across, seldom noticed. Caterpillar gaudy, black-backed, with yellow sides streaked with black, and a red stripe down the back. Face black. Feeds on asters and goldenrods, so to be expected in late summer to early autumn.

The moth is rarely noticed. the caterpillar is easily identified by it's gaudy color scheme.

The caterpillar shown below was caught in the act of shedding its skin.