New Pest Response Guidelines - Phytosanitary Resources

Noctuidae: Spodopotera
Chapter 3. Identification
• Host
• Date of sampling
• Survey method used to obtain the sample
• Name of the sampler
• Temperature and habitat
Rearing
If possible, collect eggs, larvae and pupae with sufficient host material for
rearing. Adult specimens that were raised from eggs or larvae are easier to
identify, compared with specimens collected from traps. Consult with identifiers
for instructions on artificially rearing insects. Facilities must meet the security
standards for rearing of quarantined insects.
Eggs
Collect eggs carefully by cutting the substrate around the mass. Do not try to
lift the eggs off their resting site. Scraping the eggs into a vial, or putting
pressure on them, will kill the developing larvae because the chorion is
relatively soft. Always rear suspect spodoptera eggs in a quarantine facility.
Maintain humidity at approximately 50%. Before hatching, the eggs will
appear black because the head of the developing larvae show through the
eggshell. Parasitized eggs also may turn black.
Larvae
Preserving
Most spodoptera larvae are easy to rear on bean leaves, artificial diet or snap
bean pods. Corn leaves or grasses are other favored hosts.
Larvae and pupae
Preserve larvae and pupae in 70% ethanol.
Reared adults and captured adults
Do not place moths in alcohol, since it makes them difficult to identify to the
level of species. Pin moths to a block of foam but do not spread the wings.
Spreading delays shipment and makes specimens more fragile. Save the pupal
and larval cast skins with the moth in a dry vial.
Captured adults on sticky traps (domestic survey)
Cut out the portion of the trap with the moth and pin it in a foam bottom box.
Use enough pins to prevent the moth from shaking loose in the mail.
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