Corn Earworm

Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) Also called the cotton bollworm, tomato fruitworm, or tobacco budworm, this pest attacks paticularly sweet corn and more than 100 other crops.

The larvae feed primarily on the tips of the ears of corn, entering through the silk channel. They devour kernels and foul the corn with excrement. Full grown larvae are about 1.5 inches long and yellowish, brownish, or greenish in color with distinct stripes. Typically, only one larva will be found per ear because if one larva encounters another, they will fight to the death. Corn earworm cannot survive the cold, winter months, so they must migrate from the south to northern areas each year rather than hibernating. Moths are not strong fliers, but they are carried by the wind to their northern destination.

For control products and more information please see our Caterpillars and Moths Control page.