Which of the following pests is a rootworm that damages corn roots?

• A. Corn leaf aphid
• B. European corn borer
• C. Western corn rootworm
• D. Corn earworm

Answer: (C)

Rootworms are beetles whose larvae feed on corn roots, harming the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients and often leading to reduced stands or lodging. The Western corn rootworm fits this pattern because its larvae specifically attack corn roots, causing root damage that can weaken or topple plants under certain conditions. The other insects shown damage the plant in different ways: the corn leaf aphid sucks sap from leaves, the European corn borer bores into stems and ears, and the corn earworm feeds on kernels in the ears. So, among these options, the one that is a rootworm and targets the roots is the Western corn rootworm.