Female moths have dull, buff colored wings while males have brown colored wings.

Late-stage larvae commonly tunnel into the earshank of corn.

Late-stage European corn borers showing dark and light color phases.

European corn borer larvae chew holes though a bell pepper when they exit.

Identification

Larvae: pinkish tan body, boring into corn, and leaves. Adults: small, tan, night fliers about 1/2 inch in length that hold their wings in a delta shape at rest. Females have a thick body and light colored wings, whereas the males have darker tan-to-brown wings and a thinner body. Click here for an identification key.

Damage

European corn borer damages corn when the boring disrupts the plant vascular tissues and interferes with the internal transfer of water, sugars, and nutrients. Additionally, some infectious diseases can establish after borer damage. Finally, stalk and ear shank strength can be compromised, and severe lodging and ear drop can result. Read more about how corn is damaged by the European corn borer.

Pest management tips

Good decisions for managing European corn borer depend on several biological and economic factors. In regions where intensive management of corn production occurs, European corn borer is usually not the only pest. Learn more about pest management models.

Damage on commodities other than field corn

European corn borer is not only a major pest on all types of corn, but it also causes losses in several other crops. For some crops subjected to unusually high infestations, the economic losses can amount to hundreds of dollars per acre. See what other crops are affected.