Spodoptera ornithogalli explained

Spodoptera ornithogalli (yellow-striped armyworm, cotton cutworm) is a moth of the family Noctuidae.

When first discovered this particular species was thought to be the American representative of S. littoralis as the two species have very similar forms. However, S. ornithogalli is known to have much darker color body with sharper markings.

Description

The wingspan of the adult moth is NaNmm. The fore-wing is brown with tan markings and a blurry white stripe coming from the wing tip. The hind-wing is white with a thin brown margin. Larvae are black with thin yellow stripes on their sides.[1]

Adults are on wing from April to November depending on the location.

Distribution

Geographic distribution

North America

Central America and the Caribbean

South America

Europe

There were repeated port interceptions throughout 2020, especially on consignments of asparagus from the Americas. Nonetheless so far S. ornithogalli remains otherwise absent from Europe.

Phytosanitation interceptions only.

Asia

Phytosanitation interceptions only.

Ecological distribution

For the complete list see EPPO GD's hosts list.

The larvae feed on various crops, including alfalfa, asparagus, bean, beet, cabbage, clover, maize/corn, cotton, cucumber, hops, grape, grass, jimsonweed, morning glory, onion, pea, peach, peanut, potato, sorghum, soybean, sunflower, sweet potato, Swiss chard, tobacco, tomato, turnip, wheat, watermelon, and wild onion; ornamentals including chrysanthemum and roses; and weeds including Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Datura stramonium, Erigeron canadensis, Plantago lanceolata, and Rumex.

Notes and References

  1. Book: Will . Kip . Field Guide to California Insects . Gross . Joyce . Rubinoff . Daniel . Powell . Jerry A. . . 2020 . 9780520288744 . Oakland, California . 386–387.