European Corn Borer


The European corn borer is a grayish to pink caterpillar with a darker head and spots on each segment. White eggs are laid in groups on the undersides of foliage. The adult is a yellowish nocturnal moth with 1/2-inch wings that have dark bands. The corn borer chews leaves and tassels of corn and the foliage of other plants. It over-winters as larva in corn stubble. It is common throughout North America except in the far West and Southwest. Several generations occur in a year.
VULNERABLE PLANTS - Chard, corn, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes.
Emergence Time - After over-wintering as caterpillars in old corn stalks, adult moths emerge in early summer. One or two more generations may follow.

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