BEWARE OF THIS INVASIVE PEST

FALL ARMYWORM (FAW)

Spodoptera frugiperda
The Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda ) is an insect pest that can feed on more than 80 crop species
and may cause significant yield reduction on major cultivated cereals such as maize, rice, sorghum, and also
to legumes, vegetables crops and cotton, if not managed.

How to Identify FAW?

Smaller spots arranged
in trapezoid pattern in Larger spots on the
Head color orange, most dorsal segments second last segment
Four spots near “tail”
brown or black.
Upside down “Y”
shaped in a square
Pale dorsal line pattern on head

Light-colored band Darker lateral band Light ventral area

on the lower lateral

LIFE CYCLE
ADULT

Females live an average

of 10 days (up to 21
days)

PUPA EGGS

Eggs are laid in masses

8-30 days
of 50-200 eggs

LARVAE

(6 instars) 14-22 days

This pest is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of the Western Hemisphere, where its defoliating damage to maize can
lead to more than 70% yield reduction. Under heavy infestations, larvae may disperse to new emerging adjacent fields with
reports of 100% plant cutting damage to newly planted maize.
Photos Courtesy of CORTEVA

In case of detection please contact us

BUREAU OF PLANT INDUSTRY
Email : croppestmanagementdivision@gmail.com
CROP PEST MANAGEMENT DIVISION Landline : (02) 524-7211, 523-3853
692 San Andres Street, Malate Manila Mobile : 0918-959-1760