Joe Spencer, an entomologist with the Center for Economic Entomology, Illinois Natural History Survey, reported finding (June 23) a pupa and prepupae in a cornfield located in Champaign County. Joe indicated that he was somewhat surprised to find a pupa at this point in June. This observation suggests that first sightings of adult western corn rootworms could begin very soon. Typically, we begin to receive initial reports of adult western corn rootworms after the Fourth of July celebration. A range of 6 to 13 days is required for the completion of the pupal stage. With the above-average temperatures that occurred during the last week of June, pupal development will proceed more rapidly. Let us know when you see adult corn rootworms emerging in your respective area of the state.--Mike Gray
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