Corn Earworm Corn Earworm Photo shows the larva and typical feeding damage to young corn. This is the most common corn insect.
Foliage injury occurs before tasseling.
Later generations of moths oviposit on fresh corn silk as it appears. Larvae cut a small hole at the side of the ear, through which they emerge. They drop to the ground to pupate beneath the surface. Winter is passed in the pupal stage in the soil.