REPORT OF THE STATE ENTOMOLOGIST 1918 61 
seriously injured during the past year here and there by different 
insect pests and within recent years the European corn borer, a much 
more destructive pest, has become established in eastern Massachu- 
setts, New Hampshire, portions of New York State and apparently 
in one small area in Pennsylvania. The possible occurrence of the 
European corn borer renders it more desirable than ever that we 
have at hand information regarding the more common at least of 
our corn insects, particularly those likely to be confused with this 
recent introduction, since it is very desirable that the new comer 
be quickly recognized so that necessary steps may be promptly taken 
for its control. 
Corn is a grass, and insects feeding upon grass are very likely to 
' injure corn; in fact, some of our most serious pests are normally grass- 
feeding insects which find it more convenient to subsist upon corn. 
There is also, as will be seen below, an intimate relation between the 
preceding crop and certain species injurious to corn. With these 
considerations in mind, we have brought together under one title 
brief discussions of a number of species which have attracted atten- 
tion in this State during recent years because of their depredations 
upon various grasses and specially corn. To facilitate their recog- 
nition, the following summary tabulation of characters and habits 
has been prepared. 
Insects Affecting Corn 1 to 6 inches High (Injury Mostly on Recently 
Turned Sod) 
Backward, shriveling corn with small grayish caterpillars at the 
roots. Practically restricted to recently turned sod, June. 
Grass webworms 
Borers in the heart of young corn. 
Borers are slender, yellowish, brown striped, length when full 
grown seven-eighths of an inch. Mostly on recently turned 
sod, June. Lined corn borer 
Borers, purplish brown and white striped with purplish brown 
blotch near the middle, over an inch long when full grown, 
mostly on or near weedy areas, occurs in various plants, June 
and later. Stalk borer 
Insects Affecting Corn Over 6 Inches High (I nfestation Has No Relation 
to Sod) 
Borers in the heart of corn; see stalk borer just above. 
