Adult moths emerge from the soil in late summer and fall.
Eggs are depositedin loose soil and usually overwinter.
Hatch may occur in the fall if moistureand temperature conditions are favorable. Larvae prefer loose, sandy ordusty soil and are found most easily in the driest parts of the field,such as hilltops. It has been a sporadic problem in the High Plains over the past fewyears. It is potentially one of the most devastating insect pests of wheatknown to occur in the region. It is a more consistent problem in the northernplains states and southern Canada.