As many as 5 generations may occur each year. Larvae that overwinter in diapause produce adults that are the source of new infestations in spring. In low deserts, adults emerge from overwintering larvae as early as February. Peak emergence usually occurs from April to early June. Accumulation of degree-days starting on January 1 can predict the spring emergence peak.
Adults actively feed and mate at night and hide in sheltered places during the day.
Eggs are laid singly or in small groups on all fruiting structures. Eggs are seldom seen because they are small and often hidden under the calyx of young bolls. Newly hatched larvae are white. In the third instar a pink color pattern appears that deepens to reddish pink in the final instar. Populations increase slowly while larvae are feeding in squares, but increase rapidly as soon as green bolls are available.