Yellowstriped Armyworm, Spodoptera ornithogalli (Guenée) (Insecta: Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids, and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. The yellowstriped armyworm (Spodoptera ornithogalli) is a common pest in the southeastern U.S., with a distribution extending from southern Canada to South America and the Caribbean. It undergoes three to four generations annually, with eggs laid in clusters and larvae initially gregarious before pupating in the soil. The larvae, which have variable coloration and distinct markings, feed on a wide range of crops and weeds, causing significant foliage damage. Natural enemies include various parasitoids and a nuclear polyhedrosis virus. Published: July 2001.