The terminal shoot dies, and one or more branches in the uppermost live whorl will assume dominance. This gives the tree a forked, crooked, or bushy form. Females deposit eggs in small punctures in the bark of the leaders. The young larvae bore downward, side by side, in a ring. After feeding for 5 to 6 weeks, the larvae construct pupal chambers in the wood or pith of the terminal shoot, and cover themselves with shredded wood and bark.
New adults leave the tree by late summer and do some feeding before overwintering.
There is one generation per year. It is possible, however, to reduce the damage by making conditions in a young stand unfavorable for egg laying. Pine grown under a canopy of hardwoods is relatively free of weevil damage but requires intensive management. Under certain circumstances, insecticides can be used to protect the tops of trees.