The Maple Zale has a wingspan of about 1 to 1.5 inches. The forewing is grayish-brown with a bark-like pattern. The color and boldness of markings varies among individuals. There is often an orange-yellowish tint in the median area. There are 2 bulges in the upper half of the postmedial line. The hindwing is similar in color and pattern, but lacks the orange-yellow tint in median area. The head of the larva is pale green to brown. The body is olive-green with white dorsal and lateral longitudinal stripes. It grows to about 1.5 inches.