Eggs hatch after about three weeks and the larvae move to the inner bark to feed. Often, large amounts of sap and sawdust can be seen at holes which are currently under attack by poplar borers. Poplar borers require 3 to 5 years to complete development, overwintering in its final year as prepupae. Many hardwood species, including green ash, poplar, and Siberian elm, are attacked by this insect. They may emerge from June until early August.
Females lay eggs in bark crevices or in wounds on large branches or the trunks of trees.
Larvae feed in the cambium and burrow into the heartwood for protection. Full-grown larvae can be 2 to 3 inches in length. After three or four years, the insects will pupate in May and adults will emerge. Many natural control factors help to keep wood-boring insect numbers low. Climatic events, predators, parasites, disease, and host tree vigor are all very important in preventing massive losses from these insects.