The adult western corn rootworm beetle ranges from yellow to brown-red with black spots or stripes. Compared to other beetles its size, it has long antennae. The eggs overwinter in the soil and hatch in the spring.
New worms feed on nearby roots, and stalks begin to topple over in the wind.
The worm becomes a beetle in late June or early July. It works its way up the stalk, feeding on corn silks and leaves, leaving light-gray stripes on all the leaves. These beetles will frustrate you if you're a sweet corn lover because fewer silks mean fewer kernels for eating later on. Western corn rootworm beetles also feed on beans and members of the squash family. And switch to a completely different crop such as cabbage, tomatoes or potatoes.