Migratory ectoparasites feeding near root tip. The first occurs within the egg. Second and third stages must feed to develop. Sexual differentiation occurs after the third molt. Fourth stage and adult are persistent stages for females. Esophagus is degenerate in male juveniles, adult males have no stylet, do not feed, and are not persistent. Adult female produces a sixth cuticle, so that it is ensheathed with two cuticles throughout its entire life. Life cycle from egg to egg requires 15 to 19 days at 28 to 30 C on tomato. Females can lay approximately1 egg per hour in water. Egg hatch occurs in 3 to 5 days.