Two constant characteristics were the failure of the berries to ripen at the usual time, and the failure of the seed in the carpellary cavity to develop. Mature infested berries were often smaller than uninfested berries and were sometimes distorted. These distortions resulted in the stigma shifting 45° or more from
its normal distal position.

Ovules of infested berries do not develop. Berries grow to almost normal size but remain green through winter, making the trees less desirable for ornamental purposes. The usually single larva (but occasionally two or three per berry) overwinters in the first instar...females lay eggs in the young fruit when the flower petals are still present. Hosts: I. glabra, I. opaca, I. vomitoria.