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, 4350
0407 113 306
melina.miles@daf.qld.gov.au

Resources

• FAW identification
• Report sightings to the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline 1800 084 881