Areas around the feeding site dry up and die. When a large area of the leaf has been fed on, the leaf may drop prematurely. Within a few weeks, the larvae are full grown and cease feeding. Most pupation takes place at the base of the tree, although some also occurs in folds in the bark. Most pupae can be found at the base of the tree.
Adults emerge one to two weeks after pupation.
A second generation occurs in midsummer. Occasionally, in the southern areas of the state or where temperatures are warm, a third generation may occur. A cycle of leaf feeding injury may be associated with each generation. As day length shortens in August to less than 14 hours, adult beetles stop producing eggs. They then feed for a short while and seek overwintering shelter.