Also known as Ear Maggot, Corn Silk Fly, Maize Whorl Maggot
Latin names:There are over 69 species of Euxesta recorded. E. stigmatias is the most damaging to maize. Other species include E. major, E. sororcula and E. mazorca.

Damage to plants

• Consumption of maize silks, reducing pollination.
• Clipping of silks within the silk channel.
• Blank ear tips due to larval feeding.
• Destruction of developing kernels.
• Feeding damage on ears, increasing vulnerability to ear rots (e.g. Fusarium ear rot).
• Boring into the growing point.

Signs

• Damaged ears.
• Brown silks.
• Barren ear tips.
• Dead seedlings.
• Dead heart.
• White creamy maggots beneath ear husks.

Factors favoring insects / pest development

• Maize germplasm – some varieties are more susceptible than others. Sweet corn is particularly susceptible.
• Damaged ears.

Geographic distribution

• This insect occurs throughout tropical America. It is a serious threat in the highland valleys of the Andean region.

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