Basic Developmental Characteristics of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera Fruiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Reared Under Laboratory Conditions

Abstract

Abstract The life cycle of the invasive alien insect pest, Fall armyworm (FAW), was studied using a colony established from field-collected larvae. Eggs, neonate larvae and newly emerged adult moths were used in the experiments to determine the basic biology of the FAW. Matured females laid up to 1184 eggs with mean fecundity of 469 ± 22 eggs per female. Incubation period of eggs and percentage hatchability were 2–3 days and 80–87% respectively. Larval lengths from first to sixth instar were 4.63, 6.60, 9.76, 15.86, 25.13 and 27.81 mm respectively. Larval weights were 0.003, 0.019, 0.045, 0.050, 0.060 and 0.067 g respectively for six instars. The mean head capsule of the sixth instar larva was 2.76 mm. Total larval duration throughout the six instar stages was 16–18 days, while pupal weight and length were 0.16 g and 1.9 cm respectively. Pupal duration was between 8 and 14 days with a mean of 10.35 ± 0.26 days, with percentage emergence reaching a maximum of 94, and with a mean of 80.25%. Total life cycles periods of male and female FAW were 33–44 and 36–49 days respectively under laboratory conditions. Adult copulation occurred between 8 and 11 pm, with the peak period occurring at 9 pm. This study provides baseline information about the basic biology of the FAW. Apart from being an important reference point for future research on FAW, the data provided would aid FAW management decision making.