Western Corn Rootworm

Western corn rootworm adults are about ¼-inch long or slightly larger. Overall coloration when viewed from above is yellow with a black stripe around the margin of each wing cover and a dark stripe extending part way up the center of the wing covers. Mature rootworm larvae are white and slender, about ½ inch long, with brown heads and a dark plate on the top side of the terminal segment. Damage is caused by larvae, which tunnel within corn roots and prune them as they feed. Severe damage causes the plants to “lodge” or lean over.