Which pest feeds on leaves and burrows into corn stalks?

The European corn borer is known for its lifecycle and behavior that particularly involves feeding on the leaves of corn plants and burrowing into the corn stalks. This pest lays its eggs on the leaves, and once hatched, the larvae tunnel into the stalks, which can significantly weaken the plant and reduce yields. The damage caused by the European corn borer can lead to secondary problems, such as increased susceptibility to disease or lodging of the plants, complicating management strategies for farmers.

In contrast, the other pests listed have different feeding habits or target different parts of the plant. For instance, the potato leaf hopper primarily feeds on the sap of plant leaves and does not burrow into stalks. The army worm is known for its tendency to feed on foliage, but it does not invade the stalks in the way the European corn borer does. The corn flea beetle, while it might cause some surface feeding damage, does not engage in the burrowing behavior characteristic of the European corn borer.

Understanding the specific behaviors and impacts of these pests is vital for effective pest management strategies in field crops.