Western Corn Rootworm

Diabrotica virgifera

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diabrotica virgifera: //daɪəˈbrɒtɪkə vɜːrdʒɪˈfɪərə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Diabrotica virgifera side2 by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Western corn rootworm by wikipedia. Used under a Public domain license.
Diabrotica virgifera side3 by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Diabrotica virgifera virgifera by Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, United States. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.
Diabrotica virgifera side by Siga. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Diabrotica virgifera virgifera larvae by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, United States. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Summary

Diabrotica virgifera, commonly known as the Western Corn Rootworm, is a beetle species in the Chrysomelidae family. It is a significant agricultural pest, particularly affecting maize.

Distribution

Probably native to the tropics/subtropics of Mexico and Central America; introduced in the US and Europe.

Diet

Attacks maize (Zea mays).

Economic Impact

Causing serious problems in agriculture, particularly maize crops in Europe.

Similar Taxa

Tags

  • insect
  • beetle
  • agricultural pest
  • maize pest
  • Diabrotica virgifera