This species overwinters in the egg stage. Eggs hatch in early spring as common reed shoots begin to emerge. First-instar larvae chew into common reed stems below the growing point, sever the tip from the base within 24 hours, and subsequently feed above the growing point. Larvae develop through four instars and typically must change stems twice (feeding within three stems total) to complete development. Larvae feed individually through all instars, contrast to L. geminipunctawhere early instars can be found feeding gregariously (together). 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 downward in lower portions of stems. In midsummer, 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 (100 eggs/lifetime). There is one generation per year.