Females are somewhat larger, averaging 2.77 millimetres (0.109 in) in length, and have retractible ovipositors.

[2] Eggs are laid on the inner surface of female western redcedar cones in the March or April,[3] shortly after pollination occurs.

[4] The eggs are oblong and translucent, but appear to be orange due to the color of the larvae.

[3] The larvae, which grow up to 4 millimetres (0.16 in) long,[2] feed on the seeds and tissue of the cone before beginning to pupate in late summer.

[4] As a control measure, insecticides can be applied to western redcedar cones in the spring.