Fall Armyworm

Agricultural fields, grasslands, pastures, and home gardens; widely distributed across the Americas and recently invasive in Africa and Asia.

Polyphagous herbivore; prefers grasses, corn, sorghum, and small grains, but will consume over 80 different plant species including legumes and vegetables.

Larvae are primarily nocturnal feeders that spend days hidden in soil or plant whorls. They can migrate in large 'armies' to new food sources when local supplies are exhausted. They undergo six larval instars before pupating in the soil.

Major agricultural pest that can cause devastating crop losses; they do not bite humans but are a significant threat to global food security and the economy.