The One-spotted Variant has a wingspan of 7/8 to 1 7/8 inches. The female is usually larger with deeply scalloped wings. Both sexes are yellowish tan to orange and mottled with brown, white and black. The discal spots on all wings are black. There is a pale whitish spot on the forewing near the costa. There is orange shading in the subterminal area which can range from pale to deep orange. There is a lot of variability between individuals geographically and seasonally. The larva is an inchworm with a cylindrical body. The color varies from green and yellow-green to gray, red or brown with subdued patterning. It grows to 1 3/4 inches.
The frequency of occurrence is not known. It has been photographed in mid-August at Camp Brewster, Fontenelle Forest. Adults are attracted to artificial lights.
The caterpillars eat the leaves of apple, ash, basswood, cherry, dogwood, elm, hazel, hickory, maple, oak, poplar, rose, serviceberry and willow. This species overwinters in the larval stage in tree bark and branches. It is an important food source for wintering insectivorous birds.
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