Young larvae are light green with black heads and are first seen at bud break.
The mature larva is about an inch long and has a green body and black head. Moths fly during May or June, depending on the locale. The flight lasts about 3 weeks and females lay overwintering egg masses mainly on twigs in the upper parts of trees. There is one generation per year. The fruittree leafroller feeds principally on leaves, but also feeds on flower buds, blossoms, and fruits.