This species overwinters in the egg stage. Eggs hatch in spring as common reed shoots are emerging. First-instar larvae chew into internodes in the middle of common reed stems. They sever the shoot tip from the base within 24 hours, and subsequently feed upwards above the growing point. Up to a dozen early-instar larvae may be found in the same shoot; later instars feed individually. Larvae develop through five instars and typically must change stems three times (feeding within four stems total) to complete development. In early summer, mature larvae prepare a pupal chamber with an exit window by removing stem tissue but leaving the epidermis intact Pupation occurs with the head facing upward. In mid to late summer, the emerging adult pushes its way onto the stem through the emergence window, leaving an exit hole. Adults are short-lived and nocturnal. Female adults lay eggs in single rows under common reed leaf sheaths (150 eggs/lifetime). There is one generation per year.