Southern Armyworm – Spodoptera eridania
Southern Armyworm – Spodoptera eridania
Common Name: Southern Armyworm
Latin Name: Spodoptera eridania
Appearance:
The Southern Armyworm is a moth species in the family Noctuidae. The juvenile stage of this moth is usually called an armyworm:
The Southern Armyworm is usually brown as an adult, and its wings have different patterns on them. The forewings often have a clear design that can be different. The back wings are a lighter color.The caterpillar, also called an armyworm, can look different ways. Its body is striped along the length of its length, and it is generally green or brown. Often, the body is lighter than the head capsule.
Host Plant:
There are many plants that southern armyworm caterpillars have been seen eating. Grass, grains, veggies, and different foods are common host plants.
Territory:
The Southern Armyworm is mostly found in the southern United States, but its range can improve into Central and South America. It is well known that this species is migratory, with populations shifting between locations in response to changes in the weather and the availability of food.
Damages caused by Southern Armyworm:
Caterpillars of the Southern Armyworm are regarded as agricultural pests. They eat on leaves, stems, and even developing seeds, which can seriously harm crops and grasslands. Farmers may suffer financial losses and defoliation as a result of large armyworm infestations.
Life History and Habitat:
The Southern Armyworm goes through a complete metamorphosis, comprising of egg, larval (caterpillar), pupal, and adult stages.
- Eggs:Adult female moths deposit eggs on host plants.
- Larva:The caterpillar emerges from the egg and grows through various instars while eating on plant material.
- Pupa:A fully developed caterpillar pupates in the earth or on plant detritus.
- Adult:The adult moth emerges from the pupa, and the life cycle continues. Adult moths are nocturnal and drawn to light.