The jack pine budworm occurs on a regular cycle, but the budworm has only one generation each year. Jack pine eggs typically hatch within 10-14 days.

Jack pine budworms are considered to be the most damaging pests to pine trees, especially jack pines. Jack pine budworms feed off the needles of pine strands. It is native to North America and not only is it damaging to pines, it can cause enough damage to contribute significantly to wildfires.