European corn borer - Larvae

Fifth-stage larva

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:53 -0600

A full-grown, fifth-stage larva is nearly 1 1/2 times the length of a dime.

Tubercles

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:42 -0600

Setae (hairs) on the dorsal side of European corn borer larvae are encircled by a darker-colored Ã¢â‚¬Å“haloÃ¢â‚¬? or ring. This is a distinguishing characteristic with this insect in separating it from other corn attacking caterpillars.

First-stage larvae

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:37 -0600

Newly-hatched first stage larvae are very small-about the length of the letter "L" in Liberty on a dime.

Late-stage larva on Indian corn

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:37 -0600

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

Fifth-stage larva on Indian corn

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:30 -0600

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

Fifth-stage larva (dark phase)

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:28 -0600

A fifth-stage larva on a commercial dent corn ear. Note that the head is completely black and the body is dark gray or brown in color.

Hatching first-stage larvae

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:27 -0600

First-stage larvae hatching from eggs. The black head of the unhatched larvae can be seen through the translucent egg shell.

Fifth-stage larva (light phase)

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:23 -0600

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.

Fifth-stage larva on Indian corn

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:17 -0600

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.

All five larval stages

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:05 -0600

European corn borers develop through five larval stages. A distinguishing feature is that the larva in each stage has a dark head, often black or reddish brown in color. The prothoracic shield (neck) may or may not be dark.

Fifth-stage larva on dent corn

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:03 -0600

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

Trio of late-stage larvae

Wed, 24 Mar 2004 12:19:00 -0600

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