Western Corn Rootworm

Agricultural fields, particularly cornfields, across North America and parts of Europe.

Larvae feed on the roots of corn (maize) plants; adults feed on corn silks, pollen, and leaves, as well as pollen from other plants like sunflowers.

They exhibit a one-year life cycle. Larvae hatch in the spring and feed immediately on roots. Adults emerge in mid-to-late summer to mate and lay eggs in the soil, which then overwinter.

Major agricultural pest that can cause significant yield loss through root damage and lodging. They have no significant benefits to humans and have developed resistance to several types of pesticides and crop rotation strategies.