The presence of this pest may be detected if large numbers of small black flies are observed over the grass surface from mid- to late morning. The life history varies slightly between species but in general the female lays eggs on grass leaves or stems. The eggs hatch and the small larvae bore into the stems. After reaching the last larval instar, pupation takes place in the damaged stems or in the soil and then adults emerge. There are generally several generations a year.
Winter is passed in the larval stage at the base of the damaged plants.