The forewing is deeply scalloped along the trailing edge with a broken and variable dark central band. The male varies in colour from pink to olive-green. The female is light pink to red-brown. The insects can sometimes be found resting during the day on trees or walls.
The caterpillar feeds on limes, elms, birches and alder. They are generally bright green with yellow stripes and a blue horn at the rear. Their colour changes to purple-grey when ready to pupate.