Bollworm moths are about 0.75 inch long, with a wing span of 1 to 1.5 inches. Eggs are spherical, flattened, with 10 to 15 perpendicular rows of toothed ribs. Newly hatched, first-instar larvae have several rows of dark tubercles along the back, each bearing one or two bristles.
Mites are small, often microscopic in size: the smallest is about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) in length and the largest about 6 mm (0.25 inch). They usually have four pairs of legs. In general, they breathe by means of tracheae, or air tubes, but in many species, respiration takes place directly through the skin.
Are grey-brown with filiform antennae, alternating light or dark segments and recurved labial palps, that are well developed. Black spots are present on the anterior wings. Adults are nocturnal and usually hide between leaves during the day.
