Western Corn Rootworm: Diabrotica virgifera virgifera

In economic terms, one of the most important pests of maize is the Western Corn Rootworm Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, a native of Central America. In the cornbelt of the USA, it has caused severe yield losses for decades. Now it is also spreading in Europe.

In a combination of fascinating macro sequences and 3D animations, this educational film impressively illustrates the life-cycle of this pest. The overwintering eggs start to hatch into larvae in late spring at about the time that the maize crop is in the 4 – 6 leaf stage of development. The larvae feed for 3 – 4 weeks on maize roots, during which time they pass through three instar stages. At maturity, the third larval instars turn into pupae, which are inactive for a week or two. The pupae then turn into adult beetles, which emerge from the soil about the time the maize begins to flower. The adult beetles feed on maize foliage, pollen, and silks. They can be active for up to 12 weeks, during which time they feed, mate and deposit their eggs.