The life cycles of the northern and western corn rootworm are similar. They lay their eggs at the base of corn plants and other grassy weeds. Corn is at risk of injury if replanted in the same location, or in a field with large numbers of grassy weeds the previous year. In these situations larvae hatching in the spring feed on the roots. Although the western corn rootworm is a major pest of corn in the Midwest, it has not been a serious problem so far in Connecticut.
Crop rotation combined with good weed management is an effective control.
Several species, which vary greatly in numbers from year to year, may injure corn. See Cutworm fact sheet. European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis . The larvae tunnel in the stalk and ears in all directions, weakening the stalks so that they break over. The larva is pale white or gray with black tubercles and is not more than an inch in length when fully grown.