UF/IFAS Vegetable Arthropod Pest Photographs CD-ROM III

Southern Armyworm, Spodoptera eridania
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The southern armyworm can be a major pest on many vegetable plants. It is primarily found in the southeastern United States. There are usually four generations per year. The time required for a complete generation ranges from 30 to 40 days. Eggs are shaped like a flattened sphere and are greenish when laid but later turn tan. The larvae are green or blackish-green with a light brown head capsule. Each side of the larvae has a yellowish to white line that is interrupted by a dark spot on the first segment. The larval stage usually lasts 14 to 20 days. The pupae can be found in the soil and are mahogany brown in color. The adult’s forewings are gray and brown with irregular markings.

The host range is quite large and includes beet, cabbage, carrot, collard, cowpea, eggplant, okra, pepper, potato, tomato and watermelon. Foliage and fruit are attacked by the southern armyworm. Natural enemies are present, but the insect is best managed by the application of foliar pesticides when the larvae are small.

Images

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Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, young larvae and
damage.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)
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Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, mature larva.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)
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Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, mature larva on
potato.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)
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Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, mature larva.
(Photographer: J. Castner, University of Florida)
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Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, second and third
instar larva on tomato.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)
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Southern armyworm, Spodoptera eridania, eggs.
(Photographer: L. Buss, University of Florida)
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