This species is very similar to the closely related biocontrol agent Phrydiuchus tau. Adults are small (4–5 mm long) with a long curved snout and elbowed antennae. They are a mottled brown, but slightly lighter in color compared to P. tau, and the white marking on their elytra forms more of a lower case rather than upper case “T”. Adults are active in fall and spring, feeding on the leaves of Mediterranean sage and closely related plants, giving leaves a skeletonized appearance that does little to impact growth. Adults are inactive during a summer aestivation period, becoming active and laying eggs on rosette leaves with the onset of fall rains. Eggs are small and white. Larvae are 1–4 mm long, “C-shaped” grubs that develop through three instars. They feed within cavities in the root crown and may kill small plants outright or reduce or prevent plant bolting. Immature stages complete their development in spring before exiting the plant to pupate in the surrounding soil. Adults, eggs, or larvae may overwinter. There is one generation per year.