The Large Purplish Gray has a wingspan of approximately 1.5 inches (30 to 40 mm). The forewing is medium gray with thin black lines, and reddish-brown bands in the basal and subterminal areas. The black antemedial and postmedial lines converge and often merge near the inner margin. The hindwing has an elliptical hollow discal spot. The caterpillar is a reddish-brown twig mimic with a brick red head. It grows to 1 3/8 inches. The bumps and ridges on the abdomen resemble the scars on a conifer twig.
The frequency of occurrence of this moth at Fontenelle Forest is not known. It has been photographed once at Fontenelle Forest Nature Center in early April 2016. It occurs from Nova Scotia to Florida west to Texas and north to Saskatchewan. It is considered locally common in conifer forests in the south.
The host plants are fir, pine, spruce and tamarack. The species overwinters as a pupa.
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