Insect · GBIF taxon 5109855
Fall Armyworm Moth
Spodoptera frugiperdaAlso known as Fall Armyworm
Fall armyworm moths are mottled greyish-brown nocturnal insects best known for their voracious caterpillars, which march in massive groups to strip agricultural crops. Adult males display a distinct white patch near the tip of each forewing, while females feature more uniform, subtle camouflage patterns. Indigenous to the Americas, this species has expanded across Asia, Africa, and Australia, becoming one of the world's most destructive crop pests.
NocturnalAgricultural PestMoth
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Corn
- Sorghum
- Grasses
Predators
- Bats
- Birds
- Parasitic Wasps
ThreatsInsecticides, biological controls, parasitoids, and severe winter freezes
HabitatsCroplands, pastures, grasslands, and warm temperate to tropical regions
Life span30–60 days (adults live 10–21 days)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLepidoptera
- FamilyNoctuidae
- GenusSpodoptera
- SpeciesSpodoptera frugiperda
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Harmless to humans; adult moths and caterpillars pose no physical threat.
Responsible observation
- Light Attraction: Look for adult moths visiting porch lights or UV light traps after dusk.
- Larval Spotting: Check the whorls of young corn plants for caterpillars with an inverted Y-shape on their head.
- Crop Protection: Inspect foliage regularly for early signs of windowpane feeding damage on leaves.
Agricultural Competitor (c) Bernie Paquette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bernie Paquette · cc-by
Image unavailableParasitoid 
Close Relative (c) portioid, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by portioid · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Martin Rady, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Keep collecting in Fauna
Found in Collections
Species set
Moonlight Marvels
Fall Armyworm Moth is found in this collection. Identify it in Fauna to fill this slot and continue your progress.
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