This invention provides truncated Cry 35 proteins that surprisingly and unexpectedly have increased pesticidal activity as compared to full-length Cry 35 proteins. The subject invention also includes polynucleotides that encode these truncated proteins, transgenic plants comprising a truncated gene of the subject invention, and transgenic plants that produce these truncated proteins. This invention further provides methods of controlling plant pests, including rootworms, with these truncated proteins. The truncated Cry35 proteins of the subject invention are preferably used in combination with Cry34 proteins, which are known in the art. Various surprising advantages of the subject invention will be apparent in light of this disclosure.