Maize Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith); (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
– Arrival, Distribution, Spread and Biology

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) is a native of the Americas. Since the initial identification of invasion into Nigeria and Ghana in 2016, it has swiftly invaded 47 African countries and 18 Asian countries. Its host range (at least 353 host plants), innate capacity to live in a variety of habitats, robust migration ability, high fecundity, quick development of insecticide/virus resistance and gluttonous traits all contribute to its classification as a ‘Super Pest’. The outstanding biological characteristics of FAW contribute to its invasiveness. There are still gaps in our understanding of S. frugiperda’s invasive mechanisms, how to stop it from spreading and how to improve managemement techniques. An overview of distribution, life stages, behaviour, host strain identification, damage symptoms at various stages and insect biology, a description of are presented here.