Ecological Studies of the European Corn Borer (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Boone County, Iowa

Abstract

An ecological study of the European corn borer (ECB), Ostrinia nubilalis (Hbn.), was conducted in Boone County, Iowa, from 1950 through 1965. The average date of the beginning of first-generation pupation was 12 May, with completion 8 June. Moth flight usually began in late May, peaked during the 2nd and 3rd weeks of June, and ended in early July. First-generation oviposition was greatest during the last half of June. Most (69.0%) first-generation ECB eggs hatched; a significant number (25.5%) were lost, probably due to heavy rains and violent winds. Greatest total numbers of first-generation ECB egg masses and larvae occurred in maize planted 6–10 d after the first planting date. The average date of the beginning of second-generation pupation was 16 July, with the average completion 14 August. Peak second-generation moth flight was during the first half of August. Peak oviposition was in early to mid-August. Percentage of second-generation eggs missing was less than that of the first generation, probably because severe storms were less frequent during August than in June. Heavy second-generation infestations often occurred in early-planted maize; more than 65% of second-generation larvae were found in maize planted during the first 10 d of the planting period. Heaviest infestations were in maize planted 21–30 d after the first planting date. A small third-generation moth flight occurred in some years. Predators were much more numerous during the second-generation oviposition period than during the first-generation oviposition. More second-generation eggs were eaten by predators than were first-generation eggs. The most common parasitoid of the ECB was Lydella thompsoni Herting; this species was uncommon after 1959. Other parasitoids were recorded but were not numerous.