The puss moth is pale grey and white with a thick fluffy body and delicately patterned forewings.

The caterpillars can be found in sunny positions on the food plant and are found in twos or threes on one tree. They are very large and striking, but are surprisingly difficult to see as their colouration helps to break-up their outline.

When threatened, they will rear up and produce red threads from their tails.

Pupates in a hard cocoon incorporating macerated wood on the foodplant.