Pupation occurs just below the surface of the bark. After the moth emerges, the empty pupal skin is left protruding from the bark surface. Adult longevity is 6-8 days. Eggs of ABB are deposited in crevices in the bark. The incubation period ranges from 4-8 days, averaging about 6.
Establishment is more successful if eggs are deposited away from surface.
Larvae are cannibalistic when confined. Some larvae complete development in 13 months, others require 20-22 months. Larvae overwinter in silken cells under the bark. The pupal stage lasts 13-23 days, with an average of 18.5 days. There are two peaks of emergence, the first in late May, and the other soon after mid-June.