Description

Abstract: Lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller), larvae of various ages were fed peanut, Arachis hypogaea L., pods in stages 1 to 6 of maturity. Larval survival and pod damage were much greater on pods in stages 1 to 3 than on pods in stages 4 to 6. Older larvae were able to damage more mature pods, but this damage was primarily external scarification without pod penetration. Preference tests showed that larvae preferred pods in stages 2 and 3 and damaged pods in stages 1 to 3 significantly more than pods in stages 4 to 6. The significance of these findings in relation to field infestations of lesser cornstalk borer larvae is discussed.