Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda was detected in Australia for the first time in January 2020 and a warning was issued to grain growers to inspect crops for signs of the pest’s presence.

The larval stage of the moth is similar in appearance to many caterpillars already present in agricultural and horticultural crops and can cause severe economical damage, even total crop destruction.

At the 2020 Grains Research Update at Goondiwindi principle entomologist with Queensland’s Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Melina Miles provided background to the Fall Armyworm’s detection in Queensland, explained what damage to look for and described what features identify this caterpillar from the many other caterpillar pests commonly found in Australia.

Contact:

Melina Miles

Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries

203 Tor St, Toowoomba, Qld

[email protected]

Useful Resources:

FAW identification https://bit.ly/3d66KqR

Report sightings to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881

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