About Corn Earworm
A highly polyphagous moth whose caterpillars feed inside corn ears, tomato fruits, and cotton bolls. It is one of the costliest crop pests in the Americas.
Did You Know?
Caterpillars are cannibalistic, so usually only one survives per corn ear.
How to Identify Corn Earworm
Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, family Noctuidae. Adults typically measure 35-40 mm wingspan.
Corn Earworm Habitat
Corn Earworm is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Americas. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Corn Earworm Diet and Feeding
Corn Earworm feeds on fruits. Fruit-feeding insects are attracted to ripe and decaying fruit, and some species can be significant agricultural pests.
Where Is Corn Earworm Found?
Corn Earworm can be found in Americas, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Corn Earworm can be found
Is Corn Earworm Dangerous?
Corn Earworm is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Corn Earworm Role in Nature
Corn Earworm is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Corn Earworm
What does Corn Earworm look like?
The Corn Earworm typically measures 35-40 mm wingspan.
Where is Corn Earworm found?
The Corn Earworm is found in Americas and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Corn Earworm eat?
The Corn Earworm feeds on fruits.
Is Corn Earworm dangerous to humans?
The Corn Earworm is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Corn Earworm endangered?
The Corn Earworm is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Corn Earworm?
Caterpillars are cannibalistic, so usually only one survives per corn ear.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Corn Earworm (Helicoverpa zea). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/corn-earworm
MLA:
"Corn Earworm." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/corn-earworm.