Moths emerge in the spring soon after the first green tissue shows in the buds. They may be found until after bloom, but the greatest numbers are present in the late delayed dormant to pink bud stages. Moths are commonly found resting on the trunks and main scaffold limbs of the trees. In cold, windy weather, the moths are inactive and are usually found on the sheltered side of the trees. They fly only short distances when disturbed.
Moths are most active on warm days, particularly in the afternoon.
Moths begin laying eggs shortly after emerging, so the first eggs may appear in the delayed dormant and early preblossom period. Egg deposition may be heavy in outbreak years. First-brood egg masses are laid mostly on the bark, chiefly on the trunks and main scaffold limbs. The exact position appears to be influenced by weather conditions. Hatching usually coincides with the middle to the end of bloom for the McIntosh variety.