Western Corn Rootworm
Diabrotica virgifera
This record describes Diabrotica virgifera (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The Western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera, is one of the most devastating corn rootworm species in North America, especially in the midwestern corn-growing areas such as Iowa. A related species, the Northern corn rootworm, D. barberi co-inhabits in much of the range, and is fairly similar in biology.
Wikipedia reference for Diabrotica virgifera: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabrotica virgifera.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Galerucinae
- Tribe
- Luperini
- Genus
- Diabrotica (Cucumber Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Probably native to the tropics/subtropics of Mexico and Central America, introduced elsewhere, incl. the US and Europe
Diet and Behavior
Diet: host: Zea mays
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diabrotica virgifera LeConte 1868
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diabrotica virgifera. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Western Corn Rootworm (8)
Photo credits: (c) Randy A Nonenmacher, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Randy A Nonenmacher | (c) Luke Armstrong, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Luke Armstrong | (c) aga-ma, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by aga-ma | (c) cpu, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by cpu | (c) Valeria, all rights reserved, uploaded by Valeria | (c) Pavel Šinkyřík, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Pavel Šinkyřík | Contributed by Tom Bentley; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Corn Rootworm
What is Western Corn Rootworm?
Western Corn Rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Western Corn Rootworm found?
Range: Probably native to the tropics/subtropics of Mexico and Central America, introduced elsewhere, incl. the US and Europe
What does Western Corn Rootworm eat?
The diet of the Western Corn Rootworm includes host: Zea mays.