Fall Armyworm

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 4/19/2026