A fifth-stage European corn borer on ornamental Indian corn. Note that this larva is a lighter color phase and shows a reddish brown head.

The European corn borer also attacks ornamental varieties of corn. This fifth-stage larva is shown on Indian corn.

A late-stage European corn borer larva on Indian corn.

A fifth-stage larva on a commercial dent corn ear.

A fifth-stage larva on a commercial dent corn ear. Note that the head is not completely black, as is common in many individuals, but has reddish brown stripes.

Late-stage larva commonly scar developed corn kernels by removing the outer seed coat and feeding on the starchy endosperm.

A first instar European corn borer will scrape the upper tissue from a corn leaf leaving a thin membrane or "window pane" in the leaf.

Late-stage larvae will tunnel into all varieties of corn, including popcorn.

Late-stage larvae commonly tunnel into the earshank of commercial dent corn hybrids. Extensive tunneling, even by a single larva, may cause the ear to fall to the ground before harvest.

Late-stage larvae commonly tunnel into the earshank. Extensive tunneling may cause the ear to fall to the ground before harvest, thereby magnifying the yield loss caused by this insect.