Ron Hines, senior research specialist at the University of Illinois Dixon Springs Agricultural Center, has captured the first European corn borer adults for the season. Between April 29 and May 5, Ron captured 25 European corn borer moths in his bottomland trap in Pope County, 1 moth in his upland trap in Pope County, and 22 in his trap in Pulaski County. The first captures of European corn borer moths in traps enables us to begin accumulating degree-days (base 50°F) to predict when specific events in their life cycle occur. If Ron caught the first moths on May 1, projected larval hatch will occur on May 15 (212 degree-days accumulated from the date of moth capture). Projected occurrence of third instars (midrib and stalk boring) will occur on May 27 (435 degree-days accumulated from the date of moth capture). Although it's too early to start scouting for European corn borers in Illinois, it's worth noting the presence of adults to prepare for scouting in the near future.--Kevin Steffey