Larvae, hatching in the soil during mid to late May, feed extensively on corn roots until pupation in mid July. This root feeding interferes with the plants ability to uptake water and nutrients and reduces the yield potential during periods of water stress. In addition, feeding on the brace roots weakens the corn stalk's standability, resulting in lodging of the corn stalks.

Adults emerge from the soil in midsummer and migrate to pollinating corn fields where they feed on corn pollen and silks. If adult emergence occurs prior to corn pollination, adult beetles also feed on the leaves and the developing tassel.

Index of Crops

Select this link to browse the damage to each crop by its pests.

Index of Insect Pests

Select this link to browse the insect pests arranged alphabetically with links to their descriptions and life cycle information and the crops they affect.