the fully grown larva is 0.75 to 1 inch (1.9-2.5 cm) in length. larva vary in color from light brown to pinkish gray and have conspicuous small, round, brown spots on each segment along the body. as they grow they reach between 2 and 20 mm. the larva feed on the corn whorl and burrow into the stalk and ear. they have high mortality directly after emergence, but as soon as a feeding site is established, they have better survival rates. total development before pupation lasts 50 days on average.