noun
: any of several insects that bore in maize: as
a. : the larva of an Old World moth ( Ostrinia nubilalis ) of the family Pyraustidae introduced into and now widespread in eastern No. America where it is a major pest in the stems and crowns of maize, dahlias, potatoes, and many other plants — called also European corn borer
b. : a larval pyralidid moth ( Diatraea grandiosella ) of similar habits native to Mexico but now widespread in the southwestern U.S. — called also southwestern corn borer
c. : southern cornstalk borer
d. : granary weevil