Development from egg to adult normally occurs within 35 days. Two generations and possibly a partial third can occur annually. Mouthparts are for chewing. Upon reaching host plants, flight muscles of adults degenerate. Larvae chew on roots of developing rice and obtain oxygen from the host plant by means of a paired hooks on the upper surface of their second through seventh abdominal segments.
Adults are most active during the evening and night.
Alternate host plants include aquatic grasses and sedges that occur in and around rice fields. The root damage caused by high numbers of larvae reduces yield. For additional information, contact your local Texas extension service agent, or search for other state extension service offices. Drees et al. 1996.