They feed on the roots all summer and into the fall and as temperatures drop, move deeper into the soil and overwinter in earthen cells. Feeding is resumed as the soil warms in the spring. Most damage takes place in spring prior to pupation. The large larvae will feed for a week or more before pupating 3 to 6 inches deep in the soil. Pupation takes about 2 weeks.
Adults are most abundant in mid- to late summer.
There is only one generation per year. All are females. Reproduction occurs parthenogenetically in the absence of egg fertilization by males. The grub is legless, white or yellowish, with a brown head and wrinkled body. The pupa is milky white with conspicuous dusky spines.