The Common Gluphisia has a wingspan of 1 to 1 3/8 inches. It is variable in color from light gray to dark brownish-gray. The forewing has light orange to warm brown patches in the inner median and basal areas. The basal line is strongly toothed. Some individuals have a thin, black median band with peppery dots forming a scrolled pattern. The hindwing is light tan with dark smudges along the inner margin and dark veins. The larva grows to less than 1 3/8 inches. It is green with broad , creamy subdorsal stripes. The 5th and last instar can have red or yellow dorsal patches.
This moth occurs throughout North America and is probably common at Fontenelle Forest and Neale woods. It has been photographed at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early July and at Camp Logan Fontenelle in mid-June. The adults are attracted to artificial lights.
The larval foodplant is cottonwood and poplar. There are two generations each year. This species overwinters as a pupa.
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