Pest categorisation of .

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), the northern corn rootworm, for the EU. is a univoltine species occurring in mid-western and eastern USA and Canada, where it reproduces on maize (), the preferred larval host. A small proportion of individuals can develop to a lesser extent on spelt (), rice (), millet () and a few North American wild grasses. Eggs are laid in the soil of maize fields, where they overwinter and can enter a diapause which can extend for more than one winter. Larvae hatch in late spring and early summer. Adult emergence peaks in the summer to feed on maize tassels, silks and ear tips. Adults abandon maize fields looking for other feeding hosts and return to maize for oviposition during late summer and autumn. is considered a key pest of maize, together with other rootworm species of the same genus. is regulated in the EU by Directive 2000/29/EC (Annex IAI). Within this Directive, a general prohibition of soil from most third countries prevents the entry of larvae. However, adults carried on sweetcorn or green maize are potential pathways for entry into the EU. Climatic conditions and the wide availability of maize provide conditions to support establishment in the EU. Following establishment, impact on maize yields is anticipated. Phytosanitary measures are available to inhibit entry of this pest. satisfies the criteria, which are within the remit of EFSA to assess for it to be regarded as a potential Union quarantine pest. does not meet the criteria of occurring in the EU nor plants for planting being the principal means of spread for it to be regarded as a potential Union regulated non-quarantine pest.