The adult feeds on foliage and internally bores the stem and root crown during its larval stage. Larvae work their way down into the roots and overwinter within root tissues. This gall midge has been successfully established at a number of locations in North America. Adult midges are active in the field in the morning and around sunset. Sheltered areas in grass are sought out during warmer midday periods.
Females select leaves of the meristematic tip on which to lay eggs.
Eggs are laid in groups of approximately 18. Newly hatched larvae are bright orange and immediately move to internal meristematic tips to feed on younger leaves. Gall formation develops on infested shoot tips within 6-7 days. Prepupal state occurs at approximately 12 days followed by the pupal stage at 15-17 days. Each larva spins a thin silk cocoon prior to pupation.