Both larvae and adults of the common issid bug feed by sucking plant sap from the phloem of various deciduous trees and woody plants. The common issid bug also has an association with ivy. It is used as a shelter-plant, but also for breeding.
The eggs of the common issid bug are small and oval. They are often laid in clusters. Upon hatching, the nymphs resemble miniature adult common issid bugs without wings. As nymphs grow, they molt several times, and each instar shows incremental growth in size and wing development. Common issid bugs overwinter as nymphs in ground litter. There is only one generation per year.
Juvenile bugs possess gear-like structures on their hind legs. These gears allow them to super jump in the right direction. The insects shed this gear before molting into adults.