Identification of Sweet Corn Pests
Pest Name	Moth		Caterpillar
European Corn Borer	Females have yellowish wings with gray brown markings. Males are darker and slightly smaller. Wingspan is about 1 inch. At rest, the wings form a triangular outline. these moths are occasionally seen fluttering above young corn plants during the day.		Head capsule - dark brown
			Body - light colored, often tinted pink, tan or gray, with a pattern of small dark spots on each segment. Full-grown larvae are 3/4 to 1 inch in length.
Corn Earworm	Front wings vary from yellowish tan to olive green to reddish brown and usually have a half-rounded dark spot near the center. The hind wing is whitish with a dark border. The border usually has a white median patch. Wingspan is about 11/2 inches. These moths fly only at night.		Head capsule - light yellowish-brown
			Body - may be green, yellow, tan, brown or pink with light and dark longitudinal stripes. Small bumps and hairs covering the surface may give the body a rough texture. Full-grown larvae are 11/2 to 2 inches in length.
Fall Armyworm	The front wing is gray to brown with a partial, diagonal wing bar near the center. There is a white spot at the wing-tip. This pattern is obscured with gray shading in females. The hind wing is white with a violet tinge. Wingspan is 1 to 11/2 inches. These moths fly only at night.		Head capsule - dark with a prominent, light-colored area shaped as an inverted "Y."
			Body - tan, green or almost black and smoother than corn earworm. Light and dark stripes run the length of the body. Four small black spots are visible on most segments. On the last posterior segment, the 4 spots form a conspicuous square pattern. Full-grown larvae are about 11/2 inches in length.
Based on information from University of New Hampshire Extension System Photos from the Northeast Sweet Corn Production and Integrated Pest Management Manual

This information was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.

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