Adults feed occasionally during the summer. Feeding activity increases just prior to and during the fall reproduction period. Photo by Gerald Lenhard Larvar in chip cocoon. Photo by Gerald Lenhard Females lay from one to four eggs in feeding punctures. The newly hatched larvae bore into the inner bark, where they construct winding galleries which girdle the stem.
Winter is spent in the larval stage.
Pupation occurs in chip cocoons in the wood during March and April. There is one generation per year. Insecticides can be used to protect high value trees.