Maize billbugs and billbug grubs

Nicentrites testaceipes - lesser maize billbug
Geraeus senilis - large maize billbug

Nature of damage

  • Billbugs feed in the whorls, scratching sections of the leaves.
  • Billbug grubs feed on the roots, weakening them.

Signs

  • White flecks on leaves.
  • Lodging.

Factors favoring development

  • Forage or cover crops preceeding maize.

Geographic distribution

  • Mainly in northern South America, the West Indies, and tropical North America.

For extended information click here