Classification and Distribution of Fall Armyworm Parasites

Fifty-three species of parasites from 43 genera and 10 families have been reared from larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Only 24% of the collection records identify the host plant from which the fall armyworm larvae were gathered. Parasite distributions indicate that importations from Central and South America into Florida and Texas may significantly reduce the overwintering fall armyworm populations. Apanteles marginiventris (Cresson) and Chelonus texanus (Cresson) are the most frequently recovered parasites.