Biological and Environmental Influences

The weather can influence the survivability of immature and adult corn rootworm, beetle emergence, and the length of egg laying. Having wet soils during the larval and pupal stages reduces the ability of the insect to become established on the roots and can often cause death. Cool weather can lengthen larval development, beetle emergence period, and the egg-laying time, resulting in a longer life span and increased survival. On the other hand, hot weather can speed up larval development and reduce the beetle emergence and egg-laying periods. This results in a shorter life span and a higher rate of death (Wright et al, 1999).