the european corn borer is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) long with a 0.75- to 1-inch (1.9-2.5 cm) wingspan. the female is light yellowish brown with dark, irregular, wavy bands across the wings. the male is slightly smaller and darker. the tip of its abdomen protrudes beyond its closed wings. they are most active before dawn. the adults spend most of their time feeding and mating. males and females of different strains have been found to produce differing sex pheromones.