This species is similar to the closely related biocontrol agent Neomusotima conspurcatalis. Adults are small (11 mm wingspan) and white with delicate tan bands. Adults are short-lived, mating and ovipositing soon after emergence. Females lay an average of 60 eggs singly or in small clusters on Old World climbing fern leaflets or stems. Eggs are small and opaque. Larvae develop through five instars. The first two instars are pale in color and feed on leaflet cells, creating clear “windows.” Later instars are bright green, up to 11 mm long, and are leaf defoliators. Fifth instars spin cases made of silk and leaf particles in which to feed and then pupate; these are attached to concealed plant parts. There are potentially multiple generations per year, and all stages may be active throughout the year, depending on site conditions.