Heavy infestations are characterized by broken over tassels and stalks caused by larval tunneling in the stem. Ears may also fall from the plant when the weakened ear stem breaks. It attaches a soil-covered, silken tube to the plant just below the soil level and from this tube tunnels into the stem. This tunneling kills small seedlings outright. Larger seedlings may survive but often a stunted plant is produced.
Damage is more common on sandy soils following periods of drought.
They bore into seed and stems of corn plants below the soil surface. Damaged seed do not germinate. Damaged plants are killed or may be stunted if they survive. Adults damage seedling corn by chewing holes into the stem at or near soil level and feed on the tissues within. This causes a wilting of the plant bud and often, death of the plants.