The life cycle of the peachtree borer requires one year to complete. After mating, the female moth lays up to 400 eggs on the bark of the lower trunk and in soil cracks near the tree base. Eggs generally hatch in about 10 days. Upon hatching, larvae immediately tunnel into the sapwood of the tree, usually through cracks and wounds in the bark. Larvae continue to feed and develop until the onset of cold weather.
Most activity occurs a few inches below ground on the trunk and larger roots.
The insects spend the winter as partially grown larvae below ground under the bark. In early spring, the larvae resume feeding, causing extensive injury. The larvae pupate in late spring in a cell made of silk, gum and chewed wood fragments located just below the soil surface. The pupal stage lasts almost one month after which adult borers emerge. They often pull out the pupal skin which may be seen at the base of the tree.