Elasmopalpus lignosellus
From BugwoodWiki
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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.
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.
