Non‐target noctuids from traps with synthetic Spodoptera frugiperda pheromone lure in the Carpathian Basin, Central Europe

Abstract

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), is one of the most important invasive noctuid pests. Its appearance and rapid spread can be monitored with sex pheromone traps, but the catches can be confused by catches of non-target similar species. Here we present non-target catches of commercial pheromone traps of S. frugiperda in the Carpathian basin, which is a potential area of the pest. Sizable catches of Cucullia umbratica (L.), Agrotis bigramma (Esper), and Allophyes oxyacanthae (L.), common noctuids in East-Central Europe, were recorded in numerous sampling sites. Although they can be distinguished from the target species by their different morphology, it is necessary to draw the attention of agricultural experts to their possible presence in the traps to avoid misleading conclusions.

Biology of fall armyworm – an introduction

“…In a pro‐active attempt to catch a fall armyworm invasion early, Szanyi et al (2023) deployed commercially available fall armyworm pheromone traps in Central Europe, where the pest currently does not occur. Indeed, the authors did not find fall armyworm in the traps, but they found a number of non‐target moths, which could easily be distinguished from fall armyworm if growers and other professionals are trained in basic moth identification.…”