In eastern North America, with its conditions of higher humidity, the leaf blister cycle is much more common. These differences relate to summer aspects of the life cycle. In both cycles, mites overwinter under buds. Only the blister form will be discussed further. No reproduction or feeding occurs during winter in the buds.
Mites begin to feed and oviposit as buds swell in the spring.
After 1-2 weeks, blisters begin to form small holes. Mites enter these holes and begin egg production. Usually only one female enters each blister. If present in fruit buds, feeding on floral parts will cause fruit blisters. Females produce 7-21 eggs each.