Adult females lay their eggs near the stems of young leaves. Once hatched, the larvae tunnel through the leaf surface in a serpentine pattern, consuming the green tissues. This feeding behavior causes the leaves to lose their vibrant green color, gradually turning yellow and appearing scorched before eventually drying out. The larvae then penetrate the plant through the petioles, burrowing into the stem and creating small tunnels that damage the plant from within. As a result, the stem near the soil surface may become swollen and develop cracks. The use of treated seeds during planting is an effective method to prevent stem borer infestations and protect crop health.