There are three different species of corn rootworm, the northern corn rootworm (NCR) (Diabrotica barberi), southern corn root worm (SCR) (D. undecimpunctata) and the western corn rootworm (WCR) (D. virgifera).

All three are native to North America however the WCR and SCR are also native to Central America. The WCR was introduced to Serbia in 1992 since then it has spread to most European countries.

Adults and larvae both cause damage to crops while feeding, however larvae feeding on roots cause the most significant damage to maize crops. Both the NCR and WCR adults predominantly feed on maize but may also feed on other grasses (including wheat), cucurbits, legumes and members of the daisy family (including sunflower). The adults of the SCR (also known as the spotted cucumber beetle) are highly polyphagous but mainly feed on cucurbits.