They are usually of two fairly distinct sizes, the larger being female and the smaller, male. Cocoons are constructed by full-grown larvae in the duff or upper layer of the soil. Trees from seedling stage to 2-3 m tall 3 are preferred but larger trees are sometimes attacked. Infestations most commonly occur in young reforestation plantations, Virginia pine Christmas tree plantings, pine seed orchards, and on young ornamental pines planted or occurring naturally along roadsides, in parks, on golf courses, and around homes. Occasionally, seedlings in tree nurseries may be attacked.
Damage is caused by larvae feeding on needles of host pines.
Feeding usually begins on needles in which eggs were laid or on those nearby on the same or adjacent twigs. Larger larvae consume entire needles, both the old and those of the current year. In some cases, the tender bark of twigs may also be consumed. If a tree becomes defoliated before larval development is complete, larvae will migrate to another nearby and continue feeding. Injury to trees resulting from loss of needles varies and depends on the degree of defoliation, health and vigor of trees attacked, and conditions under which the trees are growing.