Inland armyworm
Common NameInland armyworm
Scientific NameSpodoptera mauritia
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyNoctuinae
Wingspan (mm)38
Primary Colorsbrown, grey, black, white
HabitatGrasslands, agricultural fields, lawns, pastures
Geographic RangeTropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia, Pacific Islands
Host Plantsrice, maize, sugarcane, various grasses
Flight PeriodYear-round in tropical regions, multiple generations
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae, known as armyworms, are gregarious and feed on grasses, often marching in large groups. Pupation occurs in the soil.
Identification TipsLook for the mottled brown and grey forewings with streaky patterns and often a dark reniform spot; larvae are typically dark with longitudinal stripes.
Description
A medium-sized, robust moth with cryptically patterned forewings, typically mottled in shades of brown, grey, and black, providing excellent camouflage.
