corn earworm

noun

corn ear·​worm -ˈir-ˌwərm 

: a noctuid moth (Helicoverpa zea synonym Heliothis zea) whose large striped yellow-headed larva is especially destructive to corn, tomatoes, tobacco, and cotton bolls

Examples of corn earworm in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The corn earworm that ruined last year's harvest is back and so is the sap beetle. — John Frank, Axios, 11 Aug. 2024

There are pests to deal with like the corn earworm that aggressively chewed away at corn crops in recent years. — Alan Gionet, CBS News, 4 June 2026

Plus, the tomato fruitworm (also known as the corn earworm) likes to feed on both these veggies. — Gemma Johnstone, The Spruce, 21 May 2026

The corn earworm, which typically feeds on kernels near the tip of the ear, may have three generations per year. — Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

corn earworm

noun

corn ear·​worm -ˈi(ə)r-ˌwərm 

: a moth whose striped yellow-headed larva is especially destructive to ears of corn