Infestations of forest trees have been reported from New York, Pennsylvania, and all of the New England States.
Immature stages are white with red eyes and wingless.
Around mid-June, the thrips enter the soil as larvae where they mature and overwinter in the soil. They emerge in early spring to feed on swollen buds and expanding leaves and to reproduce. Eggs are laid in the leaf epidermis, mainly of veins and petiole, leaving brown scars. Other forest trees may be affected as well. Symptoms include fallen green leaves, leaves smaller than normal, cholorotic and tattered leaves, leaf margins, frequently browned or wilted, and leaves puckered or wrinkled.