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Female adult Western and Northern Corn Rootworm lay eggs in the soil close to or on corn roots from late August and into September. The eggs overwinter in the soil until conditions are right for them to hatch. As a general rule, egg hatch of corn rootworms coincides with adult firefly emergence. This is generally from late May to early June.
The rapidly growing corn roots give off carbon dioxide and attract the larvae. Once the larvae make it to the roots they start feeding. The larvae go through three developmental stages called instars that last around 7 to 10 days each. The first instar larvae are about 1/8th of an inch, but by time they get to be third instar larvae they can be as big as 1/2 inch long. If corn rootworm populations are high enough this can cause extensive root damage, severely impacting yield. After the third instar the larvae pupate before emerging as adults.
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