Corn borers as pests

The corn borer or European stalk borer (pyrausta mibilalis) is the larval stage of a pyralid moth which is highly destructive of a range of crops. The caterpillar is a stalk borer.

The corn borer has a very wide geographic distribution. It occurs, and attacks maize and sorghum, throughout the southern latitudes of Europe, including the USSR, and in many parts of Asia and the South Pacific, and has been introduced into North America. In Europe it is known also as an enemy of hops and hemp. Considerable losses are also recorded on sweet corn, on other vegetables and on various ornamental plants. There are more than 200 species of grains, weeds, vegetables and flowers that can act as alternate hosts for the borers.