Corn Insects

All Corn Insects Content

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 18, 2022

At this point in the season, no scouting is necessary for common stalk borers, but many areas of the state are reaching the point where weeds along field edges should not be managed for the time being.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 26, 2022

Not much has changed in terms of degree day accumulation for common stalk borers since last week. Cold low temperatures prevented most of the state from accumulating very many degree days.

Roughly oval shaped insect with a black head and upper body, and a brown and white pattern on its wings. The insect is on a green leaf and its thin mouthpart is piercing a round, white egg.

Minute Pirate Bug: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

Learn about minute pirate bugs, beneficial insects that feed on numerous arthropod pests of both garden and agricultural crops.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 18, 2022

Degree day accumulations continue to approach the peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots. See our latest management recommendations based on this activity.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 12, 2022

For most of South Dakota, peak emergence of the overwintering seedcorn maggot population has passed. See our latest activity estimates for the second generation.

Top profile of an insect with an orange head and second body segment, and a shiny, almost iridescent black abdomen.

Ground Beetles: Predators That Provide Benefits in Agricultural Landscapes

For agroecosystems and gardens struggling with weeds and insect pests, ground beetles can be a beneficial predator. Learn the benefits they can bring to your landscape this growing season.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 12, 2022

Warmer weather during the last week resulted in fast accumulation of degree days throughout South Dakota. See how it impacted activity estimates for the common stalk border.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 5, 2022

Corn and soybean planted during cool conditions can be at risk for seedcorn maggot infestation. Stay ahead of infestations by viewing latest activity estimates from around the state.

Pink beetle with black spots feeding on oblong, yellow eggs.

Pink Lady Beetles: Beneficial Predators in Urban and Agricultural Landscapes

There are numerous insect species that are beneficial to the gardens and farms. In this article, we will highlight a common insect predator known as the pink lady beetle, or spotted lady beetle.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: April 29, 2022

Seedcorn maggots can be an early-season pest of corn and soybean in South Dakota. View our latest seedcorn maggot activity estimates based on degree day accumulation for various locations throughout South Dakota.