Fauna
Insect

Fall Armyworm Moth

Spodoptera frugiperda

Also 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
Fall Armyworm Moth reference1 / 7
(c) Peter Waycik, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Peter Waycik · cc-by
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyCorn, 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)
Classification
  1. OrderLepidoptera
  2. FamilyNoctuidae
  3. GenusSpodoptera
  4. SpeciesSpodoptera frugiperda
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
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Moonlight Marvels

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