Which pest is known as the corn earworm?

• A. European corn borer
• B. Corn earworm
• C. Soybean aphid
• D. Colorado potato beetle

Answer: (B)

The key idea is recognizing the common name that directly describes the pest’s behavior on corn ears. The corn earworm refers to the larval stage of Helicoverpa zea, a moth whose caterpillars damage corn by feeding on the kernels inside the ears. That direct association with corn ears is why this name is used for this pest. The other insects listed are different pests with their own distinct identities and damage patterns: the European corn borer is a different species that primarily bores into stalks and ears, the soybean aphid feeds on soybeans, and the Colorado potato beetle targets potatoes. So the pest commonly called the corn earworm is the one that specifically damages corn ears.