Lesser Cornstalk Borer - Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller)

Dr. Steve L. Brown, Extension Entomologist, The University of Georgia, Department of Entomology, Tifton, GA 31793
Dr. Will Hudson, Extension Entomologist, The University of Georgia, Department of Entomology, Tifton, GA 31793

Order Lepidoptera: Family Pyralidae

Description: The larva of the lesser cornstalk borer (LCB) is dark-colored with purple bands around its body. Full grown larvae are about 3/4" long. When disturbed they flip about very rapidly.

Hosts: LCBs have a wide host range but have the greatest economic impact on corn, small grains, soybeans, peanuts, beans and peas.

Damage: Larvae tunnel into the crown of host plants, severely weakening large plants and often killing young seedlings. On peanuts, LCBs will feed on any portion of the plant that contacts the soil including limbs, pegs and pods. Peanut pods damaged by this insect have been shown to have significantly more aflatoxin contamination than undamaged pods.

Life Cycle: LCBs overwinter as larvae or pupae in the soil. Adult moths emerge in the spring and lay eggs on the host plants. Larvae feed for about 3 weeks spinning silken tubes near the soil surface for protection.

Lesser Cornstalk Borer larvae and feeding tubes
Photo by: Steve Brown, UGA

Lesser Cornstalk Borer male adult
Photo by : Steve Brown, UGA

Control: Outbreaks of LCB occur during periods of hot, dry weather. Rainfall or irrigation will greatly reduce the threat of LCB damage. Liquid insecticides directed at the base of host plants or granules applied to the soil can be effective but hot, dry conditions often reduce the longevity of registered insecticides.

In: Roberts, P. M. and G. K. Douce, Coordinators. 1999. Soil Insects. A County Agent's Guide to Insects Important to Agriculture in Georgia. Univ. of GA, Col. Ag. Env. Sci., Coop. Ext. Serv., Tifton, GA USA. Winter School Top Fifty Agricultural Insect Pests and Their Damage Sessions, Rock Eagle 4-H Ctr., Jan. 20, 1999.

Lesser Cornstalk Borer larvae in peanut stem
Photo by: Steve Brown, UGA

Lesser Cornstalk Borer
Photo by : David Adams, UGA

Selected References and Suggested Readings

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				The University of Georgia - Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources & College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences - Dept. of Entomology Funding and Support provided by the USDA Forest Service

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