They have 3 pairs of legs behind the head. The last abdominal segment is flattened with a keyhole-shaped notch. The delicate, white pupae are formed within earthen cells. The prairie grain wireworm, Ctenicera aeripennis destructor , is the most common wireworm pest in Manitoba. The prairie grain wireworm, Ctenicera aeripennis destructor , the bicoloured wireworm, Hypolithus bicolor , and the sugar beet wireworm, Limonius californicus , all occur in the prairies.
Wireworms occur throughout the agricultural regions of southern Manitoba.
Often, wireworms are more abundant in the lower areas of fields, rather than along field margins. The prairie grain wireworm is considered the most destructive wireworm pest of grain on the prairies. It prefers grasses, both annual and perennial. Small fruits, such as strawberries, are also attacked. Adult beetles emerge in April and early May from the soil in which they overwintered.