The buds do not elongate and the larvae remain covered by the apparently unmodified bud scales. The branch tips turn brown and die when the larvae cease feeding. The larva pupates in the bud and adults emerge a short time later. Both species are multivoltine.

Contarinia rugosa

Bud of normal size, becoming brown after larva exits

The infestation is noticeable in spring, when the buds turn first red then brown after the full-grown larvae drop to the soil.

Host: Cupressus arizonica
Distr: California and Hawaii, where it was introduced with nursery stock