Extended Learning - Corn Rootworm Species Complex

Life Underground  




Three different species of corn rootworm make up the corn rootworm species complex.  This module focuses on the Western corn rootworm, but the biology is the same for Western and Northern corn rootworm.  The main difference between Southern corn rootworm and the Western and Northern corn rootworms is that the Southern corn rootworm overwinters as an adult and does not survive in colder environments, but the adults will travel further.  Western corn rootworms are historically known for being highly adaptable and have developed resistance to numerous chemical and cultural controls.  Though all three are similar, Western corn rootworm generally poses the greatest problem to producers.  These modules focus on Western corn rootworm, but much of the information about management applies to the other corn rootworms as well. From right to left in the picture (right) they are the Western, Northern, and Southern corn rootworms.



Life Underground