A repeating pattern of small holes in a leaf indicates that early-stage larvae feed on the young developing leaf when it was still rolled up inside the corn whorl.

When larvae reach the third stage, they become large enough to start tunneling. Backlit from the sun, this larva can be seen tunneling into the leaf midrib. Shot holes from earlier injury are to the right of the midrib.

Transgenic corn does not have broken tassels from second generation larvae.

A field with significant tunneling by second generation larvae can have widespread breakage of corn tassels.

Broken tassels, or whole stalks, is an indication of extensive injury from second generation European corn borer larvae.

Broken tassels, or whole stalks, is an indication of extensive injury from second generation European corn borer larvae.

European corn borer larvae chew holes in the side of a bell pepper when they exit the plant.

Frass at the stem base of a bell pepper indicates tunneling by a European corn borer larva.

A high-clearance ground sprayer can be used to apply insecticides to corn for control of both first and second generation European corn borer larvae.

Newly-laid eggs of the European corn borer are milky-white in color. The eggs overlap each other like fish scales.