Lesser Corn Stalk Borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus
(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

This species occurs in most of the southern United States. It is usually a major pest in the coastal plain of the southeastern United States in areas that have sandy soils. There are three or four generations per year and the generations may overlap. Overwintering usually occurs during the larval and pupal stage and diapause does not occur. The complete life cycle usually requires 30 to 60 days. The eggs are oval in shape and are greenish when first laid but eventually turn a reddish color. Eggs are deposited below the soil surface adjacent to plants. The larvae live in and construct tunnels in the soil. The mature larva is bluish-green but may be reddish-brown with fairly distinct yellowish-white stripes on the back. The head is usually dark in color. The pupa is usually yellowish in color and then turns brown and then almost black just before the adult emerges. The adults are fairly small. The forewing of the moth may be yellowish in the center with a dark brown band on the edge of the wing having purplish scales. The thorax is light in color but may be dark depending on the sex of the insect.

The lesser corn stalk borer damages several crops but seems to prefer legumes and grass crops. Vegetable crops that are injured include bean, beet, cabbage, cantaloupe, corn, cowpea, lima bean, pea, pepper, sweet potato, tomato, and turnip. The larval stage causes damage when it feeds on and tunnels in the stem of plants. Tunneling is usually restricted to the below ground portion of the plant and girdling may also occur. Plant death is not uncommon and infested areas of the field are characterized by a thin stand. Populations of lesser corn stalk borer are highest during warm, dry weather. Fields may be sampled to determine larval populations by sieving or flotation of the soil. Light traps and pheromone traps may also be used to determine adult populations in the field. Cultural practices that are used to manage insect populations include early planting dates, tillage, and the destruction of weeds that serve as alternate hosts. Insecticides that are used are usually applied as a granular formulation in the seed furrow or as a band over the seedbed.

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Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus,
showing soil tubes formed below ground by the larvae.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)

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Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus,
damage to soybean. Note wilting due to stalk feeding by
larvae.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)

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Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus, larva.
(Photographer: J. Capinera, University of Florida)

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Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus,
larva showing stem tunneling by larva.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)

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