New record of larval parasitoids and predatory spiders on fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Noctuidae: Lepidoptera) in Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Maize is widely cultivated food and fodder crop in Tamil Nadu. Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) is considered as an invasive pest of maize throughout India. Random survey was made during Kharif 2019 and Rabi 2019 -20 at different locations of Ariyalur and Perambalur districts of Tamil Nadu to study the natural occurrence of parasitoids and predators on FAW. Four parasitoids namely Peribeae sp (Diptera: Tachinidae), Euplectrus sp. nr. Xanthocephalus Girault (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Temelucha sp. (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) and Microplitis demolitor Wilkinson (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) were identified on S. frugiperda first time in Tamil Nadu. Two spider species discovered were Jumping spider (Salticidae: Araneae) and Striped lynx spider Oxyopus javanus (Oxyopidae: Araneae).