Cotton cutworm - Spodoptera litura
Effective: July 25, 2025
Taxonomic Position: Lepidoptera : Noctuidae
Pest Type: Insects
Pest Code (NAPIS): ITBCFMA
This pest is a member of the following surveys: Corn, Cotton, Grape, Small Grains, Solanaceous Hosts, Soybean
These Approved Methods are appropriate for: 2026
Pest Information
CAPS Pest Datasheet: https://caps.ceris.purdue.edu/file-3143/
Pest Tracker: https://pesttracker.org/pest/ITBCFMA
Hosts Identified in the CAPS Host Matrix:
Bean, fresh; Broccoli; Cabbage; Cauliflower; Corn; Cotton; Eggplant; Potato; Soybean; Taro; Tobacco; Tomato
Human and Animal Pathogens Transmitted:

Not known to transmit any human or animal pathogens.

Pest Pathogens and Organisms Vectored:

Not known to vector any pathogens or other associated organisms.

Survey

Approved Method(s)
Method Detail NAPIS Survey Method
Trap 50 - Tri-colored bucket trap 3001 - General Trapping Procedure
Trap Spacing:
When trapping for more than one species of moth, separate traps for different moth species by at least 20 meters (65 feet).
Method Notes:

Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol 4/23/18: Mesh screens for plastic bucket traps are now available for purchase through IPHIS survey supply. Product name: Plastic Bucket Traps, Mesh Screen. October 15, 2014: The Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol (Brambila et al., 2014) has been revised. Please use the 2014 version, which is available in the References section below. This trap is also known as the unitrap. The trap has a green canopy, yellow funnel, and white bucket and is used with a dry kill strip. For instructions on using the trap, see Brambila et al. (2014).


Approved Lure(s)
NAPIS Code Product Dispenser Effectiveness Compound(s)
44 Spodoptera litura Lure laminate 84 days Z9E11-14Ac
Z9E12-14Ac
Lure Attachment:

Attaching lures to traps

IMPORTANT: Do not include lures for other target species in the trap when surveying for this target.

Lure Notes:

Place S. litura and S. littoralis lures in different traps and separate at least 20 meters (65 feet). Though the lures for Spodoptera littoralis and S. litura are composed of the same two compounds (Z,E,9,11-14:AC and Z,E,9,12-14:AC), the compounds are loaded into the lure dispensers in different amounts depending on the target species. Therefore, it is necessary to use the specific lure for each of the two targets.


Survey Recommendations
The following are recommendations for executing the survey using the approved methods for pest surveillance. The recommendations are developed through literature review and consultation with subject matter experts.
Likelihood of Establishment Map:

A Likelihood of Establishment Map is now available. This survey should only be considered in the states with appropriate conditions and suitable hosts for this insect. The map was produced by the SAFARIS Team. SAFARIS is a modeling framework that enables PPQ to quickly respond to emergencies, efficiently survey for pests, and assess potential pest impacts by collecting critical geospatial data and developing predictive models. SAFARIS is developed and maintained by the NC State University, Center for Integrated Pest Management (CIPM) with support from PPQ PPRA.

Key Diagnostic or Identification

Approved Method(s)
ID/Diagnostic:
Morphological: Difficult to distinguish from S. littoralis without close examination of the genitalia. For instructions on performing dissections, images of genitalia, and important identifying characters, use Brambila (2009).
Mistaken Identities:

Present in U.S.: Spodoptera dolichos, S. latifascia, S. ornithogalli, and S. pulchella. Not present in U.S.: Spodoptera littoralis

Guides
Sample Submission Guidance for Lepidoptera
References
  1. Brambila, J., L. D. Jackson, R. L. Meagher, D. Restom Gaskill, and A. Derksen. 2014. Plastic Bucket Trap Protocol.
  2. Passoa, S. Expanded field key to late instars of Spodoptera of America North of Mexico.
  3. Passoa, S. Simplified field key to late instars of Spodoptera of America North of Mexico.
  4. Passoa, S. 2007. Quarantine Significant Lepidoptera of Concern to the Southern United States. Presentation given at the Invasive Arthropod Workshop. Clemson University. May 7-9, 2007.
  5. Pogue, M.G. 2002. A world revision of the genus Spodoptera guenee (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
  6. Todd, E. L. and R. W. Poole. 1980. Keys and illustrations for the armyworm moths of the Noctuidae genus Spodoptera guenee from the Western Hemisphere

If you are unable to find a reference, contact STCAPS@usda.gov. See the CAPS Pest Datasheet for all references.