European Corn Borer Moth

The European Corn Borer is a small moth with a wingspan of 20 to 30 millimetres. Males are yellowish-brown with darker wavy bands across the front wings, while females are larger and paler, often light tan with more noticeable zigzag markings. Both males and females have pale grey-brown hindwings. This moth is originally from Europe but is now found across many temperate areas. It lives mainly in farming areas, especially maize fields, but can also be found in other crops and waste ground where suitable plants grow. Adults are active from May to September, producing one or two generations each year depending on how far north or south they are. When resting, the moth holds its wings in a tent-like shape. It is best recognised by its size, wing patterns, and the places it is found. The larvae tunnel into the stems of plants, which is why this moth is considered a pest in farming.