Fall Army Worm
Common Name
Fall Army Worm
Seasons of Activity
Peak activity is during late summer and early autumn but they can continue activity all year round when conditions are ideal in northern parts of Australia.
Areas of Plant Affected
Foliage
Scientific Name
Spodoptera frugiperda.
Key Distinguishing Feature
Caterpillars can be green or brown, up to 1½ inches long with four pairs of fleshy prolegs on the abdomen. Larvae have light stripes along the length of the body, dark spots on top of each segment, and an inverted light-colored 'Y' on the front of their head.
The armyworm's egg is dome-shaped, and measures around 0.4mm in diameter and 0.3mm in height. Eggs will hatch into larvae within 2-5 days. The larvae go through six different instar stages, each varying slightly in physical appearance and pattern. The mature caterpillar is about 38–51mm in length. The larva stage lasts from 14 to 30 days.
Key Products for Control:
Acelepryn Liquid - 15mL/100sqm in 6-10Ltrs water, then water into soil.
Acelepryn GR - 1.5Kg/100sqm, then water into soil.
Rumbler - 12-44mL/100sqm
