Adults overwinter in protected areas around vineyards, and start feeding on interior of primary buds and opening grape leaves in early spring. Damaged buds will not develop into primary canes which can reduce yields. The females lay eggs under loose cane bark on vines, or occasionally on leaf upper surfaces, or on buds. The light yellow fairly conspicuous eggs hatch in a few days. The larvae feed on leaves for 3 to 4 weeks, then drop to the ground where they pupate in the soil, and emerge as adults in 1 to 2 weeks later.
New adults feed for the remainder of the summer and go into hibernation in fall.
There is only 1 generation per year. Damage is often restricted to vineyard borders, particularly near wooded areas. Scheduled sprays for grape berry moth and leafhoppers provide effective control. Where flea beetles have been a problem, a spray timed at bud swell can provide control. Grape Cane Girdler Grape cane girdler is common in central and eastern United States.