New Pest Response Guidelines - Phytosanitary Resources

Noctuidae: Spodopotera
Chapter 3. Identification
Chapter 3. Identification
Introduction
Authorities
Pre-identification
Eggs
Accurate identification of the pest is pivotal to assessing its potential risk,
developing a survey strategy, and determining the level and manner of
control.
Qualified local personnel may perform pre-identification and screening of
suspected spodoptera specimens. Before survey and control activities are
initiated in the U.S., a USDA APHIS PPQ/National Identification Service
(NIS)-recognized authority must verify the first detection of spodoptera.
For verification, contact NIS personnel specializing in Lepidoptera at the
following address:
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, USDA
U. S. National Museum of Natural History
Washington, DC. 20560-0168
Telephone: 202-382-1806
Use this section as a guide to pre-identification of the pest.
Find a two-page Field Guide in Appendix B. Make copies of the Field Guide
for use when identifying the pest in the field.
Classification of spodoptera is currently under revision (Pogue 2002).
Pertinent revisions will be incorporated into this document as necessary.
Egg masses with the following characters are likely members of the genus
Spodoptera:
• Round shape AND
• Upright with a small pore on top AND
• Scales cover the eggs AND
• Outer membrane with about 40 to 50 longitudinal ribs
Scales are from the female’s body and may be black, cream, or gray (Figures
3.1 and 3.2).
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