They are partially or completely inserted into an incision made into the parenchyma tissue of leaves, flowers or fruit by the saw-like ovipositor of the female. The first instar larvae are white or nearly transparent at first and turn yellow, orange, crimson, or even purple later. They begin feeding immediately. When the first instars have doubled in size they find a protected spot and molt. The second insta r larvae are light yellow.
Antennal shape differs from that of the previous stage.
When the second instar larvae are ready to molt into the pupal stage they usually enter the soil or litter beneath the host plant. There are two non-feeding stages between the larva and adult. Both stages have functional legs. The first is called the prepupa . It has wing buds, rudimentary antennae, and does not excrete.