Male drinker moths are large and reddish-brown with orange veins running through the wings. They have an orange furry body. The females are larger and generally more yellowish in appearance, and have a very much larger abdomen. The females often find it difficult to fly properly because of their large size. Both have two whitish markings in the centre of the forewing. The colouring and markings can vary somewhat.

Pupates in a papery cocoon usually on a grass stem.