The larvae feed for a few days on the base of the needles and on the surface of the stem. Resin and frass accumulate on and around the web as they feed. Later, they migrate to the shoot tips, construct a new protective web, and tunnel into the stem or bud. Feeding continues inside the stem until larvae are fully grown, a period lasting two to four weeks. Pupation occurs within the cavities formed by the larvae.
Pupae are present about ten days before a new generation of adults begins to emerge.
There are four or more generations per year in Oklahoma. In southeastern Oklahoma, the overwintered adults normally emerge between March 10 and April 15, first generation adults between May 20 and June 20, second generation adults between July 7 and 30, and third generation adults between August 5 and September 10. Generations can overlap by mid-summer with moths present and laying eggs continuously from late July until cold weather. Emergence periods in north central Oklahoma are usually five to ten days later for each generation. At least in northern Oklahoma, part of the third generation larvae pupate and produce third generation moths and fourth generation larvae.