The Banded Olethreutes Moth has a wingspan of about 5/8”. The forewing is dark brown with white bands and light brown spots mid-wing. The hindwing is tan with a rufous patch at the apex. The fringe is distinctive and distinguishes it from the similar O. undulana. At the apex it is black, followed by 3 bands of white/black/white. The rest is usually dull gray.