Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
European corn borer

European corn borer

Ostrinia nubilalis

A species of Ostrinia, Also known as European corn worm

The European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), also known as the European corn worm or European high-flyer, is a moth of the family Crambidae which includes other grass moths. It is a pest of grain, particularly corn (maize or Zea mays). The insect is native to Europe, originally infesting varieties of millet, including broom corn. The European corn borer was first reported in North America in 1917 in Massachusetts, but was probably introduced from Europe several years earlier. Since its initial discovery in the Americas, the insect has spread into Canada and westward across the United States to the Rocky Mountains. The adult European corn borer is about 25 millimetres (0.98 in) long with a 26–30 millimetres (1.0–1.2 in) wingspan. The female is light yellowish brown with dark, irregular, wavy bands across the wings. The male is slightly smaller and darker. European corn borer caterpillars damage corn by chewing tunnels through many parts of the plant. This decreases agricultural yield.

General Info About European corn borer
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of European corn borer
Habitat
The European corn borer is native to Europe and was introduced to North America in the early 20th century. This moth plagues corn crops in France, Spain, Italy, and Poland. In North America, the European corn borer is found in eastern Canada and every U.S. state east of the Rocky Mountains.
Adult Food Sources
Clover (trifolium spp.), goldenrod (solidago spp.), milkweed (asclepias spp.), thistle (cirsium spp.), wildflowers (various species)
Larva Food Source
Maize (zea mays), sorghum (sorghum bicolor), cotton (gossypium hirsutum), pepper (capsicum spp.), soybean (glycine max)
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The European corn borer is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
The European corn borer can bore into the wood and may damage its structure, or even harm the health of trees. Stay alert if you frequently observe it in your house.
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The European corn borer feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Life Cycle of European corn borer
Egg The embryonic european corn borer develops within a protective casing, typically oval or round in shape. These eggs are often laid in clusters and can vary in coloration depending on the species, often blending with the environment for protection.
Larva European corn borer's larval form, also known as a caterpillar, is primarily focused on feeding and growth. This stage sees multiple molts, where it sheds its skin, increases greatly in size, and may change patterns or colors with each molt.
Pupal The european corn borer in pupal stage, enclosed in a cocoon or chrysalis, undergoes a radical transformation. The body reorganizes internally, developing wings and adult structures. This stage is immobile and often camouflaged or hidden.
Adult Emerging from the pupa, the adult european corn borer’s development is marked by the presence of wings and functional reproductive organs. The body is fully formed and hardened, and the adult is mobile, focusing on reproduction.
Rectangle
Predators of European corn borer Larvae
Birds, rodents, coleopteran beetles, larval diptera (such as tachinid flies), hymenopteran parasitoids (such as braconid wasps)
Rectangle
Predators of Adult European corn borer
Bats, birds, spiders, mantises
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About European corn borer
European corn borer can navigate using polarized light, a sophisticated form of orientation not visible to humans.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of European corn borer
Tips for Finding European corn borer
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
How Can You Attract European corn borer
The use of pheromone traps or planting crops that attract european corn borer can be effective.
Rectangle
Habitat Preferences of European corn borer Through Different Life Stages
The larval stage of european corn borer is primarily found inside the stems and ears of maize, where they feed and develop. To look for larvae, search among corn plants, focusing on those with signs of damage like feeding notches. The pupal stage usually occurs within a cocoon in debris on the ground or in soil near the host plant. To find pupae, carefully inspect the soil and debris at the base of corn plants. Adult european corn borer can be found resting on the foliage of various plants or flying near cornfields, especially at dusk. Seeking adults involves checking plants at or near maize fields during periods of adult activity.
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe European corn borer
The best time to look for european corn borer is during its active periods, which can depend on the life stage but is typically dusk or at night for adults.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe European corn borer
Warm and dry conditions are generally more suitable for finding european corn borer, as these are favorable conditions for their activity.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find European corn borer at Different Life Stages
Egg Eggs of european corn borer are usually laid in clusters on host plants, so inspecting the undersides of leaves on potential host species is the best method to locate them.
Larva European corn borer larvae are found on or near their food sources. Look for signs of feeding damage on plants, which typically include irregular holes and may lead to the discovery of the caterpillars.
Pupal Pupae of european corn borer can be found in sheltered locations near the larval food source. Search for european corn borer pupae in detritus on the ground, under loose bark, or in the soil at the base of plants.
Adult Adult european corn borer can be attracted to light sources at night or observed feeding on nectar. Setting up light traps or searching for them on flowers after dusk are good strategies.
Are European corn borer harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of European corn borer
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

The larvae of european corn borer feed within stem tissues of corn, causing tunnels that weaken plant structure and disrupt nutrient flow. Light infestations may go unnoticed, but heavy ones can lead to broken stems, reduced yield, and crop loss. Their presence can also facilitate secondary infections, indirectly affecting human food supplies and economic stability.

More Effects of European corn borer

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
More Insects that are Similar to European corn borer
Small white grass-veneer
Small white grass-veneer

The wingspan is approximately 1.6 cm and the forewings are white with a V-shaped postmedian line. The hindwings are pale brownish grey.

Read More
Arrow
Eastern grass-veneer
Eastern grass-veneer

The wingspan is 2.5 - 3 cm. The forewings are light brownish yellow with a white streak along the costa. The hindwings are gray.

Read More
Arrow
Pasture grass-veneer
Pasture grass-veneer

The wingspan is about 2 cm. The forewings with have a white stripe, bisected by a brownish-yellow strip. There are several double black lines, as well as a thin black terminal line. The hindwings are uniform pale brownish yellow.

Read More
Arrow
Inlaid grass-veneer
Inlaid grass-veneer

The wingspan is 2 - 2.5 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Common grass-veneer
Common grass-veneer

The wingspan is 1.8 - 2.5 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Girard's grass-veneer moth
Girard's grass-veneer moth

Crambus girardellus, or Girard's grass-veneer moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1860. It is found in North America, including Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, Labrador, Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Michigan. The wingspan is 25–28 mm. The forewings are silvery white with a longitudinal orange discal stripe and a narrow brown terminal line. The hindwings are white. Adults are on wing in June and July. The larvae feed on the roots of grass species.

Read More
Arrow
Forked grass-veneer
Forked grass-veneer

Crambus bidens, or Biden's grass-veneer, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Philipp Christoph Zeller in 1872. It is found in North America, where it has been recorded from Massachusetts, New York, Ontario, New Jersey, Quebec, Michigan and Alberta. The habitat consists of bogs. The wingspan is 18–22 mm. The forewings are yellowish or brownish ochre with a silver streak and black zigzag subterminal line. The hindwings are smoky. Adults are on wing from late July to early August.

Read More
Arrow
Double-banded grass-veneer moth
Double-banded grass-veneer moth

The wingspan is 1.7 - 2 cm.

Read More
Arrow
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow