Southern corn rootworm

Definition

A common name for Diabrotica undecimpunctata, a chrysomelid beetle native to North America whose larvae feed on the roots of corn and other crop seedlings, causing significant economic damage to agriculture. The adult stage, known as the spotted cucumber beetle, feeds on flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits and vectors bacterial wilt and mosaic virus. The species exemplifies a pest with distinct common names for its damaging larval and adult stages.

Etymology

From 'southern' (geographic range in North America), 'corn' (primary host crop), and 'rootworm' (larval habit of feeding on roots).

Example

Southern corn rootworm larvae tunnel through the roots of seedling corn, causing lodging and stand reduction, while adults transmit Erwinia tracheiphila, the bacterium causing cucurbit bacterial wilt.

Synonyms

• Spotted cucumber beetle

Related Terms

• Diabrotica undecimpunctata
• cucumber beetle
• Western corn rootworm
• Diabrotica virgifera
• bacterial wilt
• rootworm
• chrysomelid
• crop pest
• Integrated Pest Management

Usage Notes

The name 'Southern corn rootworm' refers specifically to the larval stage and its damage; the same species is called 'spotted cucumber beetle' when referring to adults. Not to be confused with the western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera), a related congener with overlapping range and similar damage. The term is primarily used in North American agricultural entomology.