From swollen buds on Prunus serotina. Larvae are active in galls in April and May and drop to the soil to overwinter, one generation a year.

Swollen terminal bud

Swollen buds are ovoid, 1-2cm in length, and up to 1cm in diameter. The swelling is soft and often bright red when it appears at the time the buds are leafing out in early spring. Leaves beyond the swelling and the bud usually die. Multiple branches may later appear below the base of the gall.

Host: P serotina
Distr: New York to Virginia, and Nebraska.