A Review of the Biology of the Fall Armyworm

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), is an agricultural pest of tropical-subtropical origin in the Western Hemisphere. Since it lacks any diapause mechanisms, it only can overwinter in the mild climates of south Florida and Texas; annually it reinvades much of the continental U.S. and southern Canada. Although its larvae feed on a variety of plants, corn, peanuts, sorghum, and Bermudagrass are favored hosts. The FAW adult is nocturnal in its feeding and mating activities; females may mate several times and use pheromones to attract males. Larvae normally complete 6 instars and pupate in the soil.