Missouri Pest Monitoring Network
European Corn Borer I.D.

Identification of moth
(stage attracted to and captured in traps)

Wingspan of 0.75 to 1 inch; female moth is larger than male moth
Several dark zigzag markings across the wings
Female moths (left): thicker body, yellowish buff to light tan wings
Male moths: thinner body, darker tan-to-brown wings

European Corn Borer wings closed, male and female

Identification of larvae (damaging stage)

Young larvae are initially dirty white; color may change to light tan or pinkish gray as larvae mature
Skin is smooth and free of hairs with numerous round dark spots scattered over top and sides
Head is dark brown to black
Four prolegs (3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 10th abdominal segments)
Maximum larvae length is one inch

diagram showing European Corn Borer, placement of head, true leg, proleg, thorax, and ten segments of abdomen

Field Scouting

How to Field-Scout for European Corn Borer:

European Corn Borer larvae feed on several crops species including corn, cotton, and grain sorghum.
Thresholds for pesticide application have been established in Missouri only for corn.
Two or three generations are possible in Missouri each year. Feeding location and thresholds differ for each generation
Begin scouting first generation larvae once moths have been detected in pheromone traps and corn has reached the six-leaf stage. (Usually late May to early June in central Missouri; seven to ten days earlier in the southeastern counties). Scout earliest planted corn fields first.
Fields should be scouted weekly for the next two to four weeks to detect first-generation infestations.
or second-generation, fields should be scouted beginning around mid-July and until early August in central Missouri.
Enter field at least 100 feet. Randomly examine 10 plants at 10 separate sites (100 plants) per field. Look for egg masses, signs of feeding, and larvae. For first generation larvae, focus on the middle third of the plant. Unwrap whorl leaves to find larvae. For second generation larvae, focus on the ear leaf, one leaf below the ear, and one ear above the ear.
Calculate the percentage of plants damaged and/or infested. For example, 27 plants damaged and/or infested among the 100 plants examined (10 plants X 10 areas) means that 27% of the stand is affected.
Threshold for insecticide treatment for first generation is 50% of plants have feeding damage and are infested.
Threshold for insecticide application for second generation is when 50% of the plants are infested with egg masses or larvae.

More Information ...

Printable European Corn Borer Field Guide

Introduction to Crop Scouting (IPM1006)
MU Extension

European Corn Borer: A Multiple-Crop Pest in Missouri (G7113)
MU Extension

Integrated Pest Management

University of Missouri

Missouri Pest Monitoring Network
European Corn Borer I.D.

Identification of moth
(stage attracted to and captured in traps)

Identification of larvae (damaging stage)

Missouri Pest Monitoring NetworkEuropean Corn Borer I.D.

Identification of moth(stage attracted to and captured in traps)

Identification of larvae (damaging stage)

Missouri Pest Monitoring Network
European Corn Borer I.D.

Identification of moth
(stage attracted to and captured in traps)