Billbugs

Sphenophorus spp.

Adult bluegrass billbug. Photo by: LebanonTurf

Damage caused to corn by billbug. Photo by: NC State University

There are four species of billbugs, but the bluegrass billbug, Sphenophorous parvulus, is the most common species in Kansas. Damage occurs early in the growing season, usually in low lying areas and near creeks. Adult billbugs can destroy the growing point of seedling plants within the stalk, close to the soil surface. The larva is a white, robust, legless grub that tunnels in the lower stem and roots. Infested plants become twisted and distorted and will not yield. Expanding leaves may have transverse rows of holes due to larval feeding in the whorl prior to leaf emergence. Damage is often associated with areas infested with yellow nutsedge, a preferred wild host plant.

Please refer to the most recent version of the Corn Insect Management Guide for treatment options.

Page last updated 4/2/2024 by J.P. Michaud.