Classification and Distribution of Fall Armyworm Parasites

Abstract

Fifty-three species of parasites from 43 genera and 10 families have been reared from larvae of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Only 24% of the collection records identify the host plant from which the fall armyworm larvae were gathered. Parasite distributions indi- cate that importations from Central and South America into Florida and Texas may significantly reduce the overwintering fall armyworm popula- tions. Apanteles marginiventris (Cresson) and Chelonus texanus (Cresson) are the most frequently recovered parasites.