The head is small, with a long beak that projects back under the body when at rest. Nymphs are pale yellow-green insects about the same size as aphids, but may be distinguished by the segmented abdomen and the presence of wing pads. Adults overwinter under bark and leaves, and around alfalfa and other legumes, or around a number of other weeds that seeded late in the summer or early fall. There are three to three and a half generations per year in the mid-Atlantic area. The insects feed with piercing, sucking mouthparts, sucking plant juices from the feeding site.
Adults become active in the spring as buds begin to swell.
Overwintering adults primarily feed on weed hosts unless disturbed in the ground cover by mowing, discing or similar operations which force them to move into the tree canopy. In the orchard, they first feed on expanding buds, and to a minor degree on terminal shoots. Adults continue to feed during bloom and after fruit set. First brood nymphs are present from late April through mid June. First generation adults may be found in the orchard from late May through late June.