When at rest the adults show the typical bell-shaped pattern common to the family Tortricidae. The intensity of the green color varies from a light green in young larvae to a darker green as they mature. The fruittree leafroller overwinters in the egg stage.
Eggs usually hatch in early spring.
Larvae feed within opening buds. As they mature they tie leaves together and feed on leaves, blossoms, and small fruit. Adults emerge in May or June. These adults then lay egg masses that overwinter. There is one generation per year.